Genesis 40:5 - Meaning and Application

Observe, first, the special providence of God. He filled the minds of these two prisoners with unusual dreams in the same night. The dreams made a strong impression on them and showed clear signs of a divine source. God has direct access to human spirits, and he can use them for his purposes whenever he wants, far beyond what the people involved intend. To him all hearts are open. In old times he spoke in dreams not only to his own people, but to others as well (Job 33:15). These dreams did foretell future things, but only in a very unclear way.

Second, notice the effect the dreams had on these prisoners (Genesis 40:6). They became sad. It was not the prison itself that made them sad, since they were probably used to that, and may even have lived cheerfully there. It was the dream that troubled them. God has more than one way to make people sad when they need to be brought low. Some sinners can stay stubborn under outward troubles and refuse to yield, but God can still reach them. He can cripple their joy by hurting their spirits and laying heavy burdens on them.

Third, see Joseph’s kindness and compassion toward them. He asked with concern, “Why do you look so sad today?” (Genesis 40:7). Joseph was their keeper, and he carried out that duty with gentleness. It is right for us to notice the sorrows of those under our care. Joseph was also their fellow sufferer, since he was a prisoner with them and had once been a dreamer too. Sharing sufferings helps grow compassion for others who suffer.

From this, learn to care about the sorrows and troubles of others, and to ask why our brothers and sisters look so sad. We should often think about the tears of the oppressed (Ecclesiastes 4:1). It is some comfort to people in trouble when others notice their pain. Also learn to ask about the cause of our own sorrow: Why do I look so sad? Is there a real reason? Is it a good reason? Is there not enough reason for comfort to outweigh it? Why are you cast down, O my soul?

Fourth, consider the dreams themselves and their meaning. What troubled these prisoners was that, being in prison, they could not go to the dream interpreters of Egypt, who claimed they could explain dreams. “There is no interpreter here in the prison” (Genesis 40:8). There are interpreters that those in prison and sorrow should want with them, people who can teach them the meaning and purpose of God’s providence. Elihu alludes to such a person when he says, “If there is an interpreter, one among a thousand, to show man what is right for him” (Job 33:23, 24). Such interpreters should guide consciences, not feed curiosity.

Joseph then pointed them in the right direction: “Do not interpretations belong to God?” He meant the God he worshiped, and he was trying to lead them to know him too. It is God’s special right to tell what will happen in the future (Isaiah 46:10). So God deserves the credit for every gift of foresight people have, whether ordinary or special. Joseph carefully guarded against taking praise for himself and gave the glory to God, as Daniel did (Daniel 2:30). He also made clear that if interpretations belong to God, then God is free to give that gift to whomever he chooses. So Joseph told them to share their dreams.

The chief cupbearer’s dream was a hopeful sign that he would be released and restored to his place within three days, and Joseph explained it that way (Genesis 40:12, 13). He likely had often pressed fresh grapes directly into Pharaoh’s cup, since people in that age did not yet use modern methods of clarifying wine. Joseph predicted the cupbearer’s release, but he did not predict his own. Long before, he had dreamed of his own honor and of his brothers bowing to him, and he had to hold onto that memory without any new proof. The visions given for the comfort of God’s people often reach far into the future, while the foresight given to others, like this one, may stretch only three days ahead.

The chief baker’s dream pointed to an unhappy death, with public shame (Genesis 40:18, 19). When the cupbearer’s dream was explained so well, the baker was encouraged to tell his own. In the same way, hypocrites, when they hear good promises made to true believers, want a share in them too, even though they have no part in the matter. It was not Joseph’s fault that he brought the baker bad news. Ministers are only messengers and explainers. They cannot make things different from what they are. So if they speak faithfully and the message is unpleasant, the blame is not theirs. Bad dreams should not expect a good interpretation.

Fifth, see how Joseph used this opportunity to seek help from someone at court (Genesis 40:14, 15). He modestly asked the cupbearer, whose rise to favor he had predicted, “Think of me when it goes well with you.” Even though the prison had been made as bearable as a prison could be by the respect shown to Joseph, no one can blame him for wanting freedom. Notice how modestly he described his own case. He did not complain about his brothers who sold him. He simply said, “I was stolen from the land of the Hebrews,” meaning that he had been wrongly carried away, no matter who was at fault. He also did not dwell on the wrong done to him by the woman who accused him or by the master who judged him. He only calmly said that he had done nothing to deserve being put into the dungeon.

When we need to defend ourselves, we should be careful not to speak badly of others if we can avoid it. It is enough to show our own innocence, without eagerly throwing back accusations. Joseph’s request was also modest. He only said, “Think of me. Please do me a kindness if you can.” His specific request was, “Bring me out of this house.” He did not say, “Take me to Pharaoh’s house and find me a position at court.” He asked only for release, not advancement. Providence sometimes plans the greatest honors for those who least expect them or desire them.