In chapter 40 we have Joseph’s humiliation, whereas from chapter 41 onwards we have his exaltation. Furthermore, he is seen as the Son, 37. 3, the Servant, 39. 4, the Saviour, 41. 45, and finally as the Sovereign, 41. 41.
Some nine years after Joseph had been accused by Potiphar’s wife we find him still in prison but continuing in a position of trust and responsibility, v. 4. Through this time he is being prepared for higher things. There is no substitute for the strengthening of faith on the daily anvil of experience, ‘And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us’, Rom. 5. 3-5.
Joseph was the right man for God to use when, in His sovereign purposes, the time was ripe. God always has His man! This comes about through Joseph having compassion on Pharaoh’s two servants when seeing them sad, showing himself as a man of sympathy and care; cf. Heb. 4. 15. In humility he also acknowledges that if he can interpret their dreams it will be by revelation from God alone, v. 8. The Lord will not trust anyone with a position of responsibility until humility has been learnt, ‘Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time’, 1 Pet. 5. 6.
In the purposes of God, and as Joseph had faithfully interpreted, the butler is raised up, but subsequently he forgets Joseph and his plight, v. 23. Like so many others when things are going well he has no time for God and forgets so quickly blessings received. There is an echo of this in Ecclesiastes chapter 9 verses 14 and15, which ultimately looks forward to the general forgetfulness of mankind in relation to the One who showed Himself wise above all others, and provided the means of deliverance through His sufferings and death at Calvary. The exhortation of Scripture is that we should constantly remember and never forget – ‘Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel’, 2 Tim. 2. 8.
