The Beginning and Meaning of Everything that Matters Genesis 40:1-23 Outline: Joseph’s endurance (of unjust treatment) is tested as he is forgotten by others and continues to wait for God to accomplish His word and purposes. Gen. 40:1-4 The Setting: The Cupbearer and Baker are sent to prison with Joseph. Gen. 40:5-8 They’re troubled by their dreams, and Joseph offers to interpret. Gen. 40:9-19 Joseph interprets their dreams, and asks to be remembered. Gen. 40:20-23 His interpretations prove correct, and he is forgotten. What’s going on in this chapter? This chapter demonstrates several points of contact with chapter thirty-nine—the “offense” of the two officers against Pharoah (40:1) and Joseph’s alleged offense against Potiphar’s wife (39:14, 17); the anger of Pharoah in response (40:2) and the anger of Potiphar (39:19); the captain of the guard put Joseph in charge of the two officers (40:4) and Potiphar put Joseph in charge of his house (39:4-6); the two officers were responsible for Pharaoh’s drink and food (40:1) and Joseph was not responsible for Potiphar’s food (39:6); Joseph’s request for the kindness (hesed) of the cupbearer (40:14) and the noted steadfast love (hesed) of the LORD (39:21). This chapter emphasizes dreams and their interpretation, the lifting up of heads, the remembering and forgetting of man, the presence and silence of God, all of which certainly prepares for the next chapter (and following), but also leaves Joseph (and the reader) hanging, wondering, “Has God forgotten me, too?” and “Will I be lifted up, too (and if so, in what way!)?” This chapter marks the lowest point in Joseph’s life—he is forgotten in prison and left waiting. This chapter challenges the reader—“Is God still ‘with’ Joseph?” “Why does God allow such circumstances to take place and so much time to elapse?” “Who will prove steadfast in their love for Joseph?” “How would I conduct myself in relation to God and others if I were in Joseph’s place?” Joseph is left in prison even after helping others, wondering if God is still with him and if He will actually accomplish His purposes. Genesis 40:1-4 The Setting: Genesis 40:5-8 The Two Officers Dream Dreams: Genesis 40:9-19 The Two Dreams and Their Interpretations: Genesis 40:20-23 The Result of Their Interpretations: What do we see with Joseph? What do we see with God?