Topical Bible: Dreams: Mentioned in Scripture of Pharaoh's Butler and Baker

◄ Dreams: Mentioned in Scripture of Pharaoh's Butler and Baker ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, dreams serve as a significant means through which God communicates His will and reveals future events. One of the most illustrative accounts of dreams in Scripture is found in the account of Pharaoh's butler and baker, as recorded in the Book of Genesis.

Context and Setting

The account of Pharaoh's butler and baker is situated within the larger account of Joseph, the son of Jacob, who was sold into slavery by his brothers and eventually found himself in Egypt. Joseph's journey is marked by a series of divine interventions, one of which involves the interpretation of dreams while he is imprisoned.

The Dreams

In Genesis 40, both the chief cupbearer (butler) and the chief baker of Pharaoh are imprisoned, having offended their master. During their time in custody, each has a dream on the same night, and these dreams are pivotal to the unfolding of God's plan for Joseph.

The butler's dream is described as follows: "In my dream, there was a vine before me, and on the vine were three branches. As it budded, its blossoms opened and its clusters ripened into grapes. Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand, and I took the grapes, squeezed them into Pharaoh’s cup, and placed the cup in his hand" (Genesis 40:9-11).

The baker's dream, on the other hand, is recounted as: "In my dream, there were three baskets of white bread on my head. In the top basket were all sorts of baked goods for Pharaoh, but the birds were eating them out of the basket on my head" (Genesis 40:16-17).

Joseph's Interpretation

Joseph, who is known for his ability to interpret dreams—a gift attributed to God—provides the interpretations for both dreams. He tells the butler that the three branches represent three days, after which Pharaoh will restore him to his position. Joseph says, "Within three days Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you to your position, and you will put Pharaoh’s cup in his hand, just as you did when you were his cupbearer" (Genesis 40:13).

Conversely, the interpretation of the baker's dream is ominous. Joseph explains that the three baskets also signify three days, but instead of restoration, the baker will face execution. Joseph declares, "Within three days Pharaoh will lift off your head and hang you on a tree. Then the birds will eat the flesh of your body" (Genesis 40:19).

Fulfillment and Significance

As Joseph predicted, both interpretations come to pass exactly as he described. On the third day, Pharaoh's birthday, the butler is restored to his position, while the baker is executed. This event not only demonstrates the accuracy of Joseph's God-given ability to interpret dreams but also sets the stage for his eventual rise to power in Egypt.

The dreams of Pharaoh's butler and baker underscore the biblical theme of divine sovereignty and providence. They illustrate how God can use dreams to reveal His purposes and orchestrate events according to His will. Through these dreams, Joseph's path to becoming a key figure in Egypt is furthered, ultimately leading to the preservation of the Israelite people during a time of famine.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the account of the butler and baker's dreams highlights the belief in God's active involvement in human affairs. It affirms the notion that God communicates with His people in various ways, including through dreams, and that He is the ultimate interpreter of such revelations. This narrative also serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and trust in God's plan, even when circumstances seem dire.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 40:5-19
And they dreamed a dream both of them, each man his dream in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, which were bound in the prison.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

An American Reformer.
... three days of the butler's and baker's dreams (Gen.40 ... The lack of Scripture argument
on the part of ... attentive hearers, Miller's name was seldom mentioned by the ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /18 an american reformer.htm

An American Reformer
... the three days of the butler's and baker's dreams (Genesis 40 ... The lack of Scripture
argument on the part of ... hearers, Miller's name was seldom mentioned by the ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 18 an american reformer.htm

The Typical Significance of the Scriptures Declare their Divine ...
... There he was the interpreter of dreams"the one who ... He was the only man mentioned
in the Old Testament ... Psalms) and is the only one in Scripture termed "The ...
/.../the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter six the typical significance.htm