Genesis 40:21. Calmet has observed, that, as Joseph was a type of Christ, so these two officers of Pharaoh point out the two thieves between whom he was crucified; our Lord pardoning the one and condemning the other, as Joseph predicted the butler’s restoration to his office, and the baker’s execution. read more
Joseph’s rise to power (39:1-41:57)In contrast to Judah, Joseph was blameless in his behaviour in Egypt. Soon he was placed in charge of Potiphar’s household (39:1-6). When he rejected the immoral invitations of Potiphar’s wife, she turned against him bitterly and had him thrown into prison (7-20). Again his behaviour was blameless, and soon he was given a position of responsibility over the other prisoners (21-23).Among the prisoners who later joined Joseph were two of Pharaoh’s palace... read more
birthday. These were observed with great ceremony and state. Critics have supposed it to be only a Persian custom. The Rosetta stone contains a decree concerning the keeping of the birthday feast of Ptolemy Epiphanes. read more
restored. Compare Genesis 40:13 , and See Genesis 41:1 , Genesis 41:3 . read more
hanged. Compare Genesis 40:19 , and See Genesis 41:13 . as = according as. read more
"And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants; and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and the head of the chief baker among his servants. And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand; but he hanged the chief baker: as Joseph had interpreted to them. Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him."Such events demonstrated conclusively the standing that Joseph... read more
Genesis 40:20. Pharaoh's birth-day— The antiquity of celebrating birth-days is hence observable. Some think that the phrase lifted up the head, as applied to the elevation of one officer and the destruction of the other, is ambiguous, like the word tollo in the Latin tongue, under which Cicero is said to have concealed his advice for putting Augustus to death, writing to his friend, tollendum esse juvenem. read more
Genesis 40:21-22. And he restored, &c.— Calmet and Chais both observe, that as Joseph was an illustrious type of our Saviour, so these two officers of Pharaoh clearly mark out the two thieves, between whom our Lord was crucified; the Saviour pardoned one, and condemned the other, as Joseph predicted the butler's re-establishment, and the baker's death. See ch. Genesis 41:13. the mode of expression in which verse is to be noted and remembered: Joseph is said to have done that which he only... read more
20-22. it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday—This was a holiday season, celebrated at court with great magnificence and honored by a free pardon to prisoners. Accordingly, the issue happened to the butler and baker, as Joseph had foretold. Doubtless, he felt it painful to communicate such dismal tidings to the baker; but he could not help announcing what God had revealed to him; and it was for the honor of the true God that he should speak plainly. read more
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Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Genesis 40:20
Genesis 40:20. He lifted up the head Of these servants; took an account of them, examined their cases, and, either according to the merit of their cause, or through caprice, disposed of them as is here mentioned. read more