Biblical Context:
Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Rachel, is a central figure in the Book of Genesis. His life is marked by a series of dramatic events, including being sold into slavery by his brothers, rising to prominence in Egypt, and ultimately becoming a key figure in God's plan for the Israelites. The episode involving Joseph's request to the cupbearer occurs during his unjust imprisonment in Egypt.

Scriptural Account:
The account of Joseph's interaction with the cupbearer is found in Genesis 40. While in prison, Joseph encounters two of Pharaoh's officials—the chief cupbearer and the chief baker—who have been imprisoned due to offenses against their master, the king of Egypt. Both officials have troubling dreams on the same night, and Joseph, endowed with the ability to interpret dreams, offers his assistance.

Genesis 40:8 records Joseph's response to their request for interpretation: "And Joseph said to them, 'Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams, please.'" Joseph's acknowledgment of God as the source of his interpretive gift underscores his faith and reliance on divine wisdom.

Interpretation of the Dreams:
The cupbearer recounts his dream to Joseph, in which he sees a vine with three branches that bud, blossom, and produce clusters of ripe grapes. He then takes the grapes, squeezes them into Pharaoh's cup, and places the cup in Pharaoh's hand. Joseph interprets the dream, explaining that the three branches represent three days, after which Pharaoh will restore the cupbearer to his position.

Genesis 40:13 states, "Within three days Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you to your position, and you will put Pharaoh’s cup in his hand, just as you did when you were his cupbearer."

Joseph's Request:
Following the favorable interpretation, Joseph makes a personal request to the cupbearer. In Genesis 40:14-15 , Joseph implores, "But when it goes well with you, please remember me and show me kindness by mentioning me to Pharaoh, so that he might bring me out of this prison. For I was kidnapped from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing for which they should have put me in this dungeon."

Joseph's plea reveals his desire for justice and freedom, as well as his hope that the cupbearer, once restored to his position, might advocate on his behalf before Pharaoh. This request highlights Joseph's human vulnerability and his longing for deliverance from his unjust circumstances.

Outcome:
Despite Joseph's accurate interpretation and his request, the chief cupbearer forgets Joseph after being restored to his position, as noted in Genesis 40:23 : "The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him." This oversight prolongs Joseph's time in prison, yet it also sets the stage for God's providential timing in Joseph's eventual rise to power.

Theological Significance:
Joseph's request to the cupbearer is a poignant moment that illustrates themes of faith, patience, and divine sovereignty. Joseph's reliance on God for the interpretation of dreams and his subsequent request for remembrance reflect his trust in God's ultimate plan, even amidst personal trials. This episode serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and the belief that God works through all circumstances for His purposes.