Genesis 40:6

When Joseph came to them in the morning, he saw that they were distraught.

Study Bible

When Joseph came to them in the morning
Joseph, a Hebrew sold into slavery, is now in an Egyptian prison. His rise to a position of trust even in confinement reflects God's providence. The morning signifies a new day, often associated with new beginnings or revelations in Scripture. Joseph's diligence and responsibility are evident as he attends to his duties early. This moment foreshadows his future role as a leader who will interpret dreams and provide solutions, a type of Christ who brings understanding and hope.

he saw that they were distraught
Joseph's ability to perceive the distress of the cupbearer and baker highlights his empathy and discernment, qualities that align with his God-given gift of interpreting dreams. This moment sets the stage for Joseph's interpretation of their dreams, which will eventually lead to his own rise to power. The emotional state of the prisoners reflects the uncertainty and fear of those who are without hope, contrasting with Joseph's faith and trust in God. This scene also prefigures Christ's compassion for the troubled and his role as the ultimate interpreter of human hearts and destinies.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joseph
A Hebrew man sold into slavery by his brothers, now serving in the house of Potiphar in Egypt. He is known for his ability to interpret dreams, a gift from God.

2. The Cupbearer and the Baker
Two officials of Pharaoh who were imprisoned with Joseph. They each had a dream that troubled them, which Joseph noticed.

3. The Prison
The setting of this event, where Joseph was held after being falsely accused by Potiphar's wife. It is a place of testing and divine appointment for Joseph.

4. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, whose officials, the cupbearer and the baker, were imprisoned.

5. Dreams
Significant in this account as they are the means through which God communicates future events to Joseph and the officials.

Teaching Points

God's Presence in Trials
Joseph's ability to notice the distress of others, even in his own difficult circumstances, shows God's presence and purpose in trials.

Compassion and Service
Joseph's concern for the cupbearer and baker teaches us to be compassionate and serve others, regardless of our own situation.

Divine Appointments
God orchestrates events and places us in specific situations for His purposes, as seen in Joseph's life.

Faithfulness in Small Things
Joseph's faithfulness in prison prepares him for greater responsibilities, reminding us to be faithful in all circumstances.

God's Sovereignty
The account underscores God's control over all events, including dreams and their interpretations.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Joseph's response to the cupbearer and baker's distress demonstrate his character and faith in God?

2. In what ways can we be attentive to the needs of others, even when we are facing our own challenges?

3. How does Joseph's account encourage us to trust in God's timing and sovereignty, especially when we are in difficult situations?

4. What are some practical ways we can serve others in our "prisons" or challenging circumstances?

5. How do the dreams in Genesis 40 connect to other instances in the Bible where God uses dreams to communicate His will? How can this understanding impact our view of God's communication today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 37
Joseph's earlier dreams about his family bowing to him, which set the stage for his journey to Egypt.

Daniel 2
Daniel's interpretation of King Nebuchadnezzar's dream, showing a parallel in how God uses dreams to reveal His plans.

Acts 16
Paul and Silas in prison, highlighting how God uses imprisonment for His purposes and the spread of the Gospel.