Genesis 40:20

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 40:20-23

Here is, 1. The verifying of Joseph's interpretation of the dreams, on the very day prefixed. The chief butler and baker were both advanced, one to his office, the other to the gallows, and both at the three days? end. Note, Very great changes, both for the better and for the worse, often happen in a very little time, so sudden are the revolutions of the wheel of nature. The occasion of giving judgment severally upon their case was the solemnizing of Pharaoh's birth-day, on which, all his... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 40:20

And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday ,.... The third day from the time the dreams were told, and the interpretation of them given, was the birthday of Pharaoh; either the day in which a son of his was born, or in which he himself was born, as Ben Melech observes; but the latter is more probable, since the former could not with propriety be called Pharaoh's birthday; and this might be either the day of his natural birth, or of his political birth, the time of his... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 40:20

Pharaoh's birthday - The distinguishing a birthday by a feast appears from this place to have been a very ancient custom. It probably had its origin from a correct notion of the immortality of the soul, as the commencement of life must appear of great consequence to that person who believed he was to live for ever. St. Matthew ( Matthew 14:6 ;) mentions Herod's keeping his birthday; and examples of this kind are frequent to the present time in most nations. Lifted up the head of the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 40:1-23

Joseph in the round house at Heliopolis. I. THE PRISONERS AND THEIR ATTENDANT . 1. The prisoners . 2. Their attendant . In this new capacity Joseph behaved himself wisely and with discretion. With regard to his illustrious companions in misfortune, he— II. THE DREAMS AND THEIR INTERPRETATIONS . 1. The dreams — 2. Their interpretations . These were— III. THE INTERPRETER AND HIS REWARD . 1. The interpreter ' s request . ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 40:1-23

The inspired man. Joseph is already supreme in the narrow sphere of the prison: "all was committed to his hand." The narrow sphere prepares him for the wider. The spiritual supremacy has now to be revealed. "Do not interpretations belong to God?" The dreams are partly of man and partly of. God. Each man dreamed of things connected with his life. The butler of the wine coming from the grape-clusters, pressed into Pharaoh's cup, given into his hand. The baker of the white baskets and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 40:20

And it came to pass (literally, and it was , as Joseph had predicted) the third day (literally, in, or on, the third day ), which was Pharaoh's birthday ,—literally, the day of Pharaoh ' s being born , the inf. hophal being construed with an accusative— that he made a feast —a mishteh, i.e. a drinking or banquet ( vide Genesis 19:3 )— unto all his servants . "The birthdays of the kings of Egypt were considered holy, and were celebrated with great joy and rejoicing.... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Genesis 40:1-23

- Joseph in PrisonAn uncomplaining patience and an unhesitating hopefulness keep the breast of Joseph in calm tranquillity. There is a God above, and that God is with him. His soul swerves not from this feeling. Meanwhile, new and distinguished prisoners are introduced into his place of confinement.Genesis 40:1-4The chief butler and chief baker, high officials in Pharaoh’s court, come under the displeasure of their sovereign. “In the house of the captain of the guards.” It appears that this... read more

Joseph Benson

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

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Genesis 40:1-23

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

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Genesis 40:20

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

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