Genesis 41:9 - Meaning and Application

Here is, first, the way Joseph was recommended to Pharaoh as someone who could interpret dreams. The chief cupbearer, Pharaoh’s personal wine server, did this more to please Pharaoh than out of gratitude to Joseph or pity for him. He openly admitted, “Today I remember my faults, namely, that I forgot Joseph” (Genesis 41:9). It is best to remember our duty and do it on time, but if we have failed, it is still better to remember our fault, repent, and do the duty later. Better late than never.

Some think he meant his fault against Pharaoh, which had led to his imprisonment. If so, he was hinting that even if Pharaoh had forgiven him, he had not forgiven himself. The story he told was simple. There was a young Hebrew man in the king’s prison who had correctly explained his own dream and the chief baker’s dream, and the events had matched the explanations. So he recommended Joseph to the king as an interpreter.

This shows that God’s time for helping his people always proves to be the best time. If the cupbearer had used his influence earlier to free Joseph, Joseph might have gone back at once to the land of the Hebrews, which he had spoken of so sadly (Genesis 40:15). Then he would not have become such a blessing to his family later. By waiting two more years and coming forward now, at the right moment, Joseph’s path was opened to great honor. Those who wait patiently for God will be paid for their waiting, with both the original gift and the added gain (Lamentations 3:26).

Second, Joseph was brought before Pharaoh. The king’s business needed to move quickly. Joseph was sent at once out of the dungeon, and Pharaoh’s command ended both his prison time and his slavery. It also put him in line for some of the highest responsibilities at court. Still, modesty required that he have time to shave and change his clothes (Genesis 41:14). Everything was done as quickly as possible, and Joseph was brought in, perhaps just as surprised as Peter later was (Acts 12:9). His sudden change of condition was so great that it felt like a dream, as the psalm says, “When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream” (Psalm 126:1).

Pharaoh spoke to Joseph at once, without even asking who he was or where he came from. He simply told him that he expected him to interpret the dream (Genesis 41:15). Joseph answered with great humility and good sense (Genesis 41:16). First, he gave the honor to God: “It is not in me. God must give the answer.” Gifts are most beautiful when people use them humbly and do not claim the credit for themselves, but give it to God. To such people, God gives more grace.

Second, Joseph showed respect to Pharaoh and real goodwill toward him and his government. He said this would be an answer of peace. Those who seek guidance from God may expect an answer that leads to peace. If Joseph is to be the interpreter, Pharaoh may hope for the best.