Genesis 40:13

Within three days Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore your position. You will put Pharaoh's cup in his hand, just as you did when you were his cupbearer.

Study Bible

Within three days
This phrase indicates a specific and imminent time frame, emphasizing the certainty and divine orchestration of the events to come. In the Hebrew context, the number three often symbolizes completeness or divine perfection, as seen in other scriptural instances such as Jonah's three days in the fish or Jesus' resurrection on the third day. This timeframe underscores God's sovereign control over time and events, providing hope and assurance of His plans.

Pharaoh will lift up your head
The phrase "lift up your head" is a Hebrew idiom that can mean to restore someone to their former status or to bring them to judgment. In this context, it signifies restoration and favor. The imagery of lifting one's head suggests dignity and honor being returned, reflecting God's ability to elevate and restore those who are faithful, even in dire circumstances.

and restore you to your position
Restoration is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting God's redemptive work in the lives of His people. The Hebrew root for "restore" conveys the idea of returning to a former state of blessing and service. This promise of restoration for the cupbearer serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to fulfill His promises and His power to redeem and restore what has been lost.

You will put Pharaoh’s cup in his hand
The act of placing the cup in Pharaoh's hand signifies trust and responsibility. The cupbearer held a position of significant influence and trust, as he was responsible for the safety of the king's drink. This phrase highlights the restoration of trust and the return to a position of influence, symbolizing how God can restore us to places of purpose and service in His kingdom.

just as you did when you were his cupbearer
This phrase emphasizes the return to a previous state of service and normalcy. It reflects the continuity of God's plan and the restoration of one's calling and purpose. The role of the cupbearer was not only functional but also relational, indicating a close proximity to the king. This restoration serves as a metaphor for the believer's restored relationship with God, where past roles and purposes are renewed in His service.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joseph
A Hebrew man who was sold into slavery by his brothers and ended up in Egypt. He is currently imprisoned but has been given charge over the other prisoners.

2. Pharaoh's Cupbearer
An official in Pharaoh's court who was imprisoned alongside Joseph. He had a dream that Joseph interpreted, predicting his restoration to his position.

3. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, who had imprisoned his cupbearer and baker. His actions and decisions are central to the unfolding events.

4. Prison
The place where Joseph is held and where he interprets the dreams of Pharaoh's officials.

5. Dream Interpretation
A significant event where Joseph interprets the dreams of the cupbearer and the baker, showcasing his God-given ability.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Circumstances
Joseph's ability to interpret dreams, even in prison, demonstrates God's control over all situations. We can trust that God is at work, even when circumstances seem dire.

Faithfulness in Small Things
Joseph's faithfulness in prison, interpreting dreams for fellow prisoners, prepares him for greater responsibilities. We should be faithful in our current roles, trusting God for future opportunities.

Hope and Restoration
The cupbearer's restoration is a reminder of God's power to restore and redeem. We can have hope that God can restore what is broken in our lives.

Using God-given Gifts
Joseph uses his God-given gift of dream interpretation to serve others. We should seek to use our gifts to serve God and others, regardless of our circumstances.

Trust in God's Timing
The fulfillment of Joseph's interpretation in three days shows God's perfect timing. We should trust that God's timing is always right, even when it requires patience.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Joseph's situation in prison reflect God's sovereignty, and how can we apply this understanding to our own difficult circumstances?

2. In what ways does Joseph's faithfulness in small tasks prepare him for greater responsibilities, and how can we apply this principle in our lives?

3. How does the restoration of the cupbearer illustrate the theme of hope and restoration in the Bible, and where else do we see this theme?

4. What are some God-given gifts you possess, and how can you use them to serve others in your current situation?

5. How can we learn to trust in God's timing, especially when we are waiting for a change in our circumstances? What other biblical examples can we draw from?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 41
Joseph's ability to interpret dreams is further demonstrated when he interprets Pharaoh's dreams, leading to his rise to power in Egypt.

Nehemiah 1:11
Nehemiah, like the cupbearer, served as a cupbearer to a king, highlighting the trust and responsibility associated with this role.

Daniel 2
Daniel, like Joseph, interprets dreams for a foreign king, showing a parallel in how God uses His servants to reveal His plans.