Chapter 40:
| Calvin
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 Revelation Exodus
Genesis 40
Concise Complete
The chief butler and baker of Pharaoh in prison, Their
dreams interpreted by Joseph. (1-19) The ingratitude of the chief butler.
(20-23)
Verses 1-19 It
was not so much the prison that made the butler and baker sad, as their dreams.
God has more ways than one to sadden the spirits. Joseph had compassion towards
them. Let us be concerned for the sadness of our brethren's countenances. It is
often a relief to those that are in trouble to be noticed. Also learn to look
into the causes of our own sorrow. Is there a good reason? Is there not comfort
sufficient to balance it, whatever it is? Why art thou cast down, O my soul?
Joseph was careful to ascribe the glory to God. The chief butler's dream
foretold his advancement. The chief baker's dream his death. It was not Joseph's
fault that he brought the baker no better tidings. And thus ministers are but
interpreters; they cannot make the thing otherwise than it is: if they deal
faithfully, and their message prove unpleasing, it is not their fault. Joseph
does not reflect upon his brethren that sold him; nor does he reflect on the
wrong done him by his mistress and his master, but mildly states his own
innocence. When we are called on to clear ourselves, we should carefully avoid,
as much as may be, speaking ill of others. Let us be content to prove ourselves
innocent, and not upbraid others with their guilt.
Verses 20-23
Joseph's interpretation of the dreams came to pass on the very day fixed. On
Pharaoh's birth-day, all his servants attended him, and then the cases of these
two came to be looked into. We may all profitably take notice of our birth-days,
with thankfulness for the mercies of our birth, sorrow for the sinfulness of our
lives, and expectation of the day of our death, as better than the day of our
birth. But it seems strange that worldly people, who are so fond of living here,
should rejoice at the end of one year after another of their short span of life.
A Christian has cause to rejoice that he was born, also that he comes nearer to
the end of his sin and sorrow, and nearer to his everlasting happiness. The
chief butler remembered not Joseph, but forgot him. Joseph had deserved well at
his hands, yet he forgot him. We must not think it strange, if in this world we
have hatred shown us for our love, and slights for our kindness. See how apt
those who are themselves at ease are to forget others in distress. Joseph
learned by his disappointment to trust in God only. We cannot expect too little
from man, nor too much from God. Let us not forget the sufferings, promises, and
love of our Redeemer. We blame the chief butler's ingratitude to Joseph, yet we
ourselves act much more ungratefully to the Lord Jesus. Joseph had but foretold
the chief butler's enlargement, but Christ wrought out ours; he mediated with
the King of Kings for us; yet we forget him, though often reminded of him, and
though we have promised never to forget him. Thus ill do we requite Him, like
foolish people and unwise.
Chapter 40:
| Calvin
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 Revelation Exodus
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1 Samuel
2 Samuel
1 Kings
2 Kings
1 Chronicles
2 Chronicles
Ezra
Nehemiah
Esther
Job
Psalm
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Ezekiel
Daniel
Hosea
Joel
Amos
Obadiah
Jonah
Micah
Nahum
Habakkuk
Zephaniah
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
Acts
Romans
1 Corinthians
2 Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
1 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians
1 Timothy
2 Timothy
Titus
Philemon
Hebrews
James
1 Peter
2 Peter
1 John
2 John
3 John
Jude
Revelation
