Genesis 40:20

On the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday, he held a feast for all his officials, and in their presence he lifted up the heads of the chief cupbearer and the chief baker.

Study Bible

On the third day
The phrase "on the third day" is significant throughout Scripture, often symbolizing a period of trial followed by deliverance or revelation. In Hebrew culture, the third day can represent divine intervention or completion. This is seen in other biblical narratives, such as Jonah's deliverance from the fish and Jesus' resurrection. Here, it marks the fulfillment of Joseph's interpretation of the dreams, underscoring God's sovereignty and timing.

which was Pharaoh’s birthday
Pharaoh's birthday is a rare mention of such celebrations in the Bible, highlighting the Egyptian custom of honoring their ruler's birth. This event sets the stage for the unfolding of God's plan through Joseph. Historically, Egyptian pharaohs were often considered divine, and their birthdays were significant state events, reflecting their power and the culture's reverence for their leader.

he held a feast for all his officials
Feasts in ancient times were not only social gatherings but also political events. Pharaoh's feast for his officials signifies a display of wealth, power, and authority. It was a time to reinforce loyalty among his court. This context emphasizes the public nature of the events that follow, as the fate of the cupbearer and baker is decided before the eyes of the kingdom's elite.

and in their presence he lifted up the heads
The phrase "lifted up the heads" is a Hebrew idiom that can mean to restore someone to a position of honor or to bring them to judgment. In this context, it foreshadows the contrasting fates of the cupbearer and the baker. The public nature of this act underscores the transparency of justice and the fulfillment of Joseph's divinely inspired interpretations.

of the chief cupbearer and the chief baker
The roles of the chief cupbearer and chief baker were significant in Pharaoh's court, responsible for the safety and quality of the king's food and drink. Their positions required trust and loyalty. The narrative highlights the precariousness of their roles and the divine orchestration of events, as Joseph's interpretations of their dreams come to pass, further establishing his God-given wisdom and setting the stage for his rise to power.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, who is celebrating his birthday with a feast. His decisions are pivotal in the account of Joseph.

2. Chief Cupbearer
An official in Pharaoh's court who was imprisoned with Joseph. His dream interpreted by Joseph foretold his restoration to his position.

3. Chief Baker
Another official in Pharaoh's court, also imprisoned with Joseph. His dream, interpreted by Joseph, foretold his execution.

4. Joseph
Although not mentioned directly in this verse, Joseph is the interpreter of the dreams that lead to the events of this day. He remains in prison, awaiting his own deliverance.

5. Egypt
The setting of the account, a place of both trial and eventual triumph for Joseph.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Timing
The events unfold on Pharaoh's birthday, a reminder that God's timing is perfect and often aligns with human events in unexpected ways.

The Role of Dreams
Dreams in the Bible often serve as a means of divine communication. Joseph's faithfulness in interpreting them shows his trust in God's revelations.

Justice and Mercy
The contrasting fates of the cupbearer and baker illustrate the themes of justice and mercy, reminding us of God's ultimate authority in these matters.

Faithfulness in Adversity
Joseph's continued faithfulness, even when forgotten by the cupbearer, encourages believers to remain steadfast in trials.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the outcome of the chief cupbearer and chief baker's dreams reflect God's justice and mercy?

2. In what ways does Joseph's situation in Genesis 40:20 encourage us to trust in God's timing and plan for our lives?

3. How can we apply the lesson of faithfulness in adversity from Joseph's life to our current challenges?

4. What parallels can we draw between the events of Pharaoh's feast and other biblical feasts or celebrations?

5. How does the account of Joseph and the dreams in Genesis 40 connect to the broader theme of God's sovereignty throughout the Bible?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 41
The continuation of Joseph's account, where his ability to interpret dreams leads to his rise in power.

Esther 1
Another example of a royal feast, showing the cultural significance of such events in ancient times.

Matthew 14
The birthday feast of Herod, which also leads to a significant and grim outcome, drawing a parallel to the fate of the chief baker.

Psalm 75:7
This verse speaks to God as the ultimate judge who lifts up and brings down, reflecting the outcomes for the cupbearer and baker.