QT 12/11/2025 Gen 40:1-15, Learning not to blame others

Genesis 40:1–15 (ESV) —

1 Some time after this, the cupbearer of the king of Egypt and his baker committed an offense against their lord the king of Egypt. 2 And Pharaoh was angry with his two officers, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker, 3 and he put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, in the prison where Joseph was confined. 4 The captain of the guard appointed Joseph to be with them, and he attended them. They continued for some time in custody.

5 And one night they both dreamed—the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were confined in the prison—each his own dream, and each dream with its own interpretation. 6 When Joseph came to them in the morning, he saw that they were troubled. 7 So he asked Pharaoh’s officers who were with him in custody in his master’s house, “Why are your faces downcast today?” 8 They said to him, “We have had dreams, and there is no one to interpret them.” And Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Please tell them to me.”

9 So the chief cupbearer told his dream to Joseph and said to him, “In my dream there was a vine before me, 10 and on the vine there were three branches. As soon as it budded, its blossoms shot forth, and the clusters ripened into grapes. 11 Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand, and I took the grapes and pressed them into Pharaoh’s cup and placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand.” 12 Then Joseph said to him, “This is its interpretation: the three branches are three days. 13 In three days Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you to your office, and you shall place Pharaoh’s cup in his hand as formerly, when you were his cupbearer. 14 Only remember me, when it is well with you, and please do me the kindness to mention me to Pharaoh, and so get me out of this house. 15 For I was indeed stolen out of the land of the Hebrews, and here also I have done nothing that they should put me into the pit.”

 

NOTE: The phrase "some time" indicates "years," why, because in two years, Pharaoh will have a dream, and we know that Joseph will be elevated at the age of 30. Since he was 17 at the time of abduction into slavery, we have 13 years of slavery or prison. And still another 7 years until he sees his family. In the case today, the cupbearer, after his elevation, will forget Joseph for two years.

 

Joseph takes advantage of the situation to request help. But, he does not blame his brothers nor Potiphar's wife. He gives no bad reports. And to be honest, it was not necessary, and in most cases, it really is water under the bridge in terms of how the situation came about. The facts are that he is in prison and it was unjust. I suppose most prisoners would argue the same thing, but it shows strong character to not blame others for misfortune.

 

We do like blaming others or rules or whatever. I did the same thing a couple of days ago in my QT notes. A far better response would have been to say, I was wrongly accuse of discrimination and almost fired. But fortunately, my boss went to bat for me at her personal risk. The other details were not important and really was just an attempt to place blame. I do appreciate my boss who supported me in the false accusation.

 

PONDER:

1. Are their situations where I am still blaming others for a misfortune?
2. Do I harbor bitterness against someone for their sin against me?
3. Do I need to forgive someone who has hurt me?

 

PRAYER: Father, I haven't thought about the situation in years until this week. I don't want to be bitter. Forgive me for my attitude and help me to truly forgive my employee. The person gave their best. My actions disappointed them. Maybe I should have been more direct so as not to cause false expectations. Give me wisdom for now and the future.