Genesis 40:7

So he asked the officials of Pharaoh who were in custody with him in his master's house, "Why are your faces so downcast today?"

Study Bible

So he asked the officials of Pharaoh
Joseph, while in prison, encounters two officials of Pharaoh: the chief cupbearer and the chief baker. These positions were significant in the Egyptian court, as they were responsible for the king's food and drink, ensuring it was safe from poison. This highlights Joseph's ability to interact with high-ranking individuals, a skill that would later serve him well. The presence of these officials in prison suggests a possible political intrigue or a breach of trust, common in ancient royal courts.

who were in custody with him in his master’s house
Joseph's "master's house" refers to the prison overseen by Potiphar, who was the captain of the guard. This setting indicates that Joseph was not in a common prison but rather a place where high-profile prisoners were kept. It reflects the providence of God in Joseph's life, placing him in a position where he could influence and interpret dreams for Pharaoh's officials, setting the stage for his future rise to power.

“Why are your faces so downcast today?”
Joseph's question reveals his compassionate nature and leadership qualities. Despite his own unjust imprisonment, he shows concern for others. This mirrors the character of Christ, who, despite His own suffering, showed compassion to those around Him. The downcast faces of the officials suggest they were troubled by their dreams, which in ancient cultures were often seen as omens or messages from the divine. This sets the scene for Joseph's interpretation of their dreams, a pivotal moment that demonstrates his God-given gift and foreshadows his eventual rise to power in Egypt.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joseph
A Hebrew man who was sold into slavery by his brothers and ended up in Egypt. He was imprisoned after being falsely accused by Potiphar's wife. In Genesis 40, Joseph is in prison with Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker.

2. Cupbearer and Baker
Two officials of Pharaoh who were imprisoned with Joseph. They both had dreams that Joseph interpreted, which eventually led to Joseph's rise to power in Egypt.

3. Prison
The setting of Genesis 40, where Joseph is held. It is a place of testing and preparation for Joseph, where he continues to trust in God despite his circumstances.

Teaching Points

Compassion in Adversity
Joseph's concern for the cupbearer and baker, as seen in Genesis 40:7, demonstrates the importance of showing compassion and empathy even when we are facing our own trials.

Using God-Given Gifts
Joseph's ability to interpret dreams was a gift from God. We should seek to identify and use our spiritual gifts to serve others, trusting that God has a purpose for them.

Faithfulness in Trials
Joseph remained faithful to God despite his unjust circumstances. This teaches us to maintain our faith and integrity, trusting that God is working through our trials.

God's Sovereignty
The events in Joseph's life, including his time in prison, were part of God's sovereign plan. We can trust that God is in control and has a purpose for our lives, even when we don't understand our current situation.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Joseph's response to the cupbearer and baker in Genesis 40:7 demonstrate his character and faith in God?

2. In what ways can we show compassion to others, even when we are facing our own difficulties?

3. How can we identify and use our spiritual gifts to serve others, as Joseph did with his ability to interpret dreams?

4. What can we learn from Joseph's faithfulness in prison about maintaining our integrity and trust in God during challenging times?

5. How does the account of Joseph in Genesis 40 connect to the broader theme of God's sovereignty and purpose in our lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 39
Provides context for Joseph's imprisonment, showing his integrity and faithfulness even when falsely accused.

Genesis 41
Follows the events of Genesis 40, where Joseph's interpretations of dreams lead to his release and rise to power.

Philippians 2:4
Encourages believers to look not only to their own interests but also to the interests of others, similar to Joseph's concern for his fellow prisoners.

1 Peter 4:10
Speaks about using one's gifts to serve others, as Joseph used his God-given ability to interpret dreams to help the cupbearer and baker.