Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
back to:
Genesis
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 40
Overview:
The chief
Butler and baker of
Pharaoh in
Prison, Their dreams
interpreted
By Joseph.
(1-19) The ingratitude of the chief
Butler.
(20-23)
1-19 It was not
So much the
Prison that made the
Butler and
baker sad, as their dreams.
God has more ways than one to sadden
the spirits.
Joseph had compassion towards them. Let us be
concerned for the sadness of our brethren's countenances. It is
often a relief to those that are in trouble to be noticed. Also
learn to look into the causes of our own sorrow. Is there a good
reason? Is there not comfort sufficient to
Balance it, whatever
it is? Why art thou cast down, O my soul?
Joseph was careful to
ascribe the
Glory to
God. The chief
Butler's
Dream foretold his
advancement. The chief baker's
Dream his
Death. It was not
Joseph's fault that he brought the baker
No better tidings. And
thus ministers are but interpreters; they cannot make the thing
otherwise than it is: if they
Deal faithfully, and their message
prove unpleasing, it is not their fault.
Joseph does not reflect
upon his brethren that sold him; nor does he reflect
On the
wrong done him
By his mistress and his master, but mildly states
his own innocence. When we are called
On to clear ourselves, we
should carefully avoid, as much as may be, speaking ill of
others. Let us be content to prove ourselves innocent, and not
upbraid others with their guilt.
20-23 Joseph's interpretation of the dreams came to pass
On the
very
Day fixed.
On Pharaoh's
Birth-
Day, all his servants
attended him, and then the cases of these two came to be looked
into. We may all profitably take notice of our
Birth-days, with
thankfulness for the mercies of our
Birth, sorrow for the
sinfulness of our lives, and expectation of the
Day of our
Death, as better than the
Day of our
Birth. But it seems strange
that worldly people, who are
So fond of living here, should
rejoice at the
End of one
Year after another of their short span
of
Life. A
Christian has cause to rejoice that he was born, also
that he comes nearer to the
End of his
Sin and sorrow, and
nearer to his
Everlasting happiness. The chief
Butler remembered
not
Joseph, but forgot him.
Joseph had deserved
Well at his
hands, yet he forgot him. We must not think it strange, if in
this world we have
Hatred shown us for our
Love, and slights for
our kindness. See how apt those who are themselves at ease are
to forget others in distress.
Joseph learned
By his
disappointment to trust in
God only. We cannot expect too little
from
Man, nor too much from
God. Let us not forget the
sufferings, promises, and
Love of our
Redeemer. We blame the
chief
Butler's ingratitude to
Joseph, yet we ourselves act much
more ungratefully to the
Lord Jesus.
Joseph had but foretold the
chief
Butler's enlargement, but
Christ wrought out ours; he
mediated with the
King of
Kings for us; yet we forget him,
though often reminded of him, and though we have promised never
to forget him. Thus ill do we requite Him, like foolish people
and unwise.