Reading Plan · Day 14
Changes this passage only. Set your default for every passage.
Genesis 40-42
Day 14
Previously · Day 13 · Genesis 37-39
The previous day's reading began the presentation of the story of Joseph. Within that day's reading was one chapter covering Judah and Tamar because the events continued the lineage of Christ. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers and ended up in Pharaoh's prison.
Day 14 Read
Where You Stopped
Genesis 40
1And it came to pass after these things, that the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker offended their lord the king of Egypt.
1And it came to pass after these things, that the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt.
Commentary · verse 1
2And Pharaoh was wroth against his two officers, against the chief of the butlers, and against the chief of the bakers.
3And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound.
4And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he ministered unto them: and they continued a season in ward.
2And Pharaoh was wroth against two of his officers, against the chief of the butlers, and against the chief of the bakers.
3And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound.
4And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them: and they continued a season in ward.
Commentary · verses 2-4
The butler and baker were put under Joseph's charge, by the captain of the guard. Potiphar was the captain of the guard! Notice also, Joseph ministered (served) to the men that were put in his care.
5And they dreamed a dream both of them, each man his dream, in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were bound in the prison.
5And they dreamed a dream both of them, each man his dream in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, which were bound in the prison.
Commentary · verse 5
Both the butler and the baker had a dream.
6And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and saw them, and, behold, they were sad.
7And he asked Pharaoh’s officers that were with him in ward in his master’s house, saying, Wherefore look ye so sad to-day?
8And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell it me, I pray you.
6And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad.
7And he asked Pharaoh’s officers that were with him in the ward of his lord’s house, saying, Wherefore look ye so sadly to day?
8And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you.
Commentary · verses 6-8
Interpretations belong to God. Joseph recognized this was a gift of God through him and stated this to others.
9And the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, In my dream, behold, a vine was before me; 10and in the vine were three branches: and it was as though it budded, and its blossoms shot forth; and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes: 11and Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand; and I took the grapes, and pressed them into Pharaoh’s cup, and I gave the cup into Pharaoh’s hand.
12And Joseph said unto him, This is the interpretation of it: the three branches are three days; 13within yet three days shall Pharaoh lift up thy head, and restore thee unto thine office: and thou shalt give Pharaoh’s cup into his hand, after the former manner when thou wast his butler.
14But have me in thy remembrance when it shall be well with thee, and show kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house:
9And the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, In my dream, behold, a vine was before me;
10And in the vine were three branches: and it was as though it budded, and her blossoms shot forth; and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes:
11And Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand: and I took the grapes, and pressed them into Pharaoh’s cup, and I gave the cup into Pharaoh’s hand.
12And Joseph said unto him, This is the interpretation of it: The three branches are three days:
13Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thine head, and restore thee unto thy place: and thou shalt deliver Pharaoh’s cup into his hand, after the former manner when thou wast his butler.
14But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house:
Commentary · verses 9-14
Joseph interpreted the butler's dream. The dream was good news for the butler. Joseph wanted the butler to remember him when things got better.
15for indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.
15For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.
Commentary · verse 15
Joseph was blameless.
16When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said unto Joseph, I also was in my dream, and, behold, three baskets of white bread were on my head: 17and in the uppermost basket there was of all manner of baked food for Pharaoh; and the birds did eat them out of the basket upon my head.
18And Joseph answered and said, This is the interpretation thereof: the three baskets are three days; 19within yet three days shall Pharaoh lift up thy head from off thee, and shall hang thee on a tree; and the birds shall eat thy flesh from off thee.
20And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and the head of the chief baker among his servants.
16When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said unto Joseph, I also was in my dream, and, behold, I had three white baskets on my head:
17And in the uppermost basket there was of all manner of bakemeats for Pharaoh; and the birds did eat them out of the basket upon my head.
18And Joseph answered and said, This is the interpretation thereof: The three baskets are three days:
19Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thy head from off thee, and shall hang thee on a tree; and the birds shall eat thy flesh from off thee.
20And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants.
Commentary · verses 16-20
Joseph interpreted the baker's dream. The dream was tragic news for the baker.
21And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh’s hand: 22but he hanged the chief baker: as Joseph had interpreted to them.
23Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him.
21And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh’s hand:
22But he hanged the chief baker: as Joseph had interpreted to them.
23Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him.
Commentary · verses 21-23
Joseph's interpretations were correct. However, the butler forgot Joseph.
Where You Stopped
Genesis 41
Commentary · verses 1-57
This chapter was similar to Daniel's circumstances in Daniel 2.
1And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river.
1And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river.
Commentary · verse 1
The ungodly king (Pharaoh) had a dream.
2And, behold, there came up out of the river seven kine, well-favored and fat-fleshed; and they fed in the reed-grass.
2And, behold, there came up out of the river seven well favoured kine and fatfleshed; and they fed in a meadow.
Commentary · verse 2
"Kine" meant "cow; heifer."
3And, behold, seven other kine came up after them out of the river, ill-favored and lean-fleshed, and stood by the other kine upon the brink of the river.
4And the ill-favored and lean-fleshed kine did eat up the seven well-favored and fat kine. So Pharaoh awoke.
5And he slept and dreamed a second time: and, behold, seven ears of grain came up upon one stalk, rank and good.
3And, behold, seven other kine came up after them out of the river, ill favoured and leanfleshed; and stood by the other kine upon the brink of the river.
4And the ill favoured and leanfleshed kine did eat up the seven well favoured and fat kine. So Pharaoh awoke.
5And he slept and dreamed the second time: and, behold, seven ears of corn came up upon one stalk, rank and good.
Commentary · verses 3-5
Pharaoh had a second dream.
6And, behold, seven ears, thin and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them.
7And the thin ears swallowed up the seven rank and full ears. And Pharaoh awoke, and, behold, it was a dream.
8And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.
6And, behold, seven thin ears and blasted with the east wind sprung up after them.
7And the seven thin ears devoured the seven rank and full ears. And Pharaoh awoke, and, behold, it was a dream.
8And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.
Commentary · verses 6-8
None of the ungodly king's wise men could help with the dream.
9Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day: 10Pharaoh was wroth with his servants, and put me in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, me and the chief baker: 11and we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he; we dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream.
12And there was with us there a young man, a Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard; and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man according to his dream he did interpret.
13And it came to pass, as he interpreted to us, so it was; me he restored unto mine office, and him he hanged.
9Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day:
10Pharaoh was wroth with his servants, and put me in ward in the captain of the guard’s house, both me and the chief baker:
11And we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he; we dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream.
12And there was there with us a young man, an Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard; and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man according to his dream he did interpret.
13And it came to pass, as he interpreted to us, so it was; me he restored unto mine office, and him he hanged.
Commentary · verses 9-13
The butler told the king about a man who had the ability to interpret dreams...
14Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh.
14Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh.
Commentary · verse 14
Joseph made sure his appearance before the king was pleasing to the king and one that truly represented God. Joseph may have also known this was his moment where God would equal out Justice, so him taking the time to improve his appearance could be seen as an act of faith.
15And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that when thou hearest a dream thou canst interpret it.
16And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.
15And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it.
16And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.
Commentary · verses 15-16
Again Joseph said God would give an answer to the dream. "Peace" in this verse meant "completeness, soundness." So, Joseph was saying "I am not the one who will give you the answer, God will and the answer will be complete." Joseph also implied God would give the king an answer because he was a king, just like Daniel did in Daniel 2:29
17And Pharaoh spake unto Joseph, In my dream, behold, I stood upon the brink of the river: 18and, behold, there came up out of the river seven kine, fat-fleshed and well-favored: and they fed in the reed-grass: 19and, behold, seven other kine came up after them, poor and very ill-favored and lean-fleshed, such as I never saw in all the land of Egypt for badness: 20and the lean and ill-favored kine did eat up the first seven fat kine: 21and when they had eaten them up, it could not be known that they had eaten them; but they were still ill-favored, as at the beginning. So I awoke.
22And I saw in my dream, and, behold, seven ears came up upon one stalk, full and good: 23and, behold, seven ears, withered, thin, and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them: 24and the thin ears swallowed up the seven good ears: and I told it unto the magicians; but there was none that could declare it to me.
17And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, In my dream, behold, I stood upon the bank of the river:
18And, behold, there came up out of the river seven kine, fatfleshed and well favoured; and they fed in a meadow:
19And, behold, seven other kine came up after them, poor and very ill favoured and leanfleshed, such as I never saw in all the land of Egypt for badness:
20And the lean and the ill favoured kine did eat up the first seven fat kine:
21And when they had eaten them up, it could not be known that they had eaten them; but they were still ill favoured, as at the beginning. So I awoke.
22And I saw in my dream, and, behold, seven ears came up in one stalk, full and good:
23And, behold, seven ears, withered, thin, and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them:
24And the thin ears devoured the seven good ears: and I told this unto the magicians; but there was none that could declare it to me.
Commentary · verses 17-24
Pharaoh accurately retold both dreams and included that his own men could not interpret the dream.
25And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one: what God is about to do he hath declared unto Pharaoh.
25And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one: God hath shewed Pharaoh what he is about to do.
Commentary · verse 25
Both dreams meant the same thing. They were prophetic of what God was about to do.
26The seven good kine are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years: the dream is one.
27And the seven lean and ill-favored kine that came up after them are seven years, and also the seven empty ears blasted with the east wind; they shall be seven years of famine.
26The seven good kine are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years: the dream is one.
27And the seven thin and ill favoured kine that came up after them are seven years; and the seven empty ears blasted with the east wind shall be seven years of famine.
Commentary · verses 26-27
God was telling Pharaoh there would be seven years of famine. However, they would have seven years of plenty in order to prepare for the famine. What would Pharaoh do?
28That is the thing which I spake unto Pharaoh: what God is about to do he hath showed unto Pharaoh.
28This is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharaoh: What God is about to do he sheweth unto Pharaoh.
Commentary · verse 28
Joseph established that he had interpreted the dream. Next, Joseph specifically applied the dreams...
29Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt: 30and there shall arise after them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine shall consume the land; 31and the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine which followeth; for it shall be very grievous.
32And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh, it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.
29Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt:
30And there shall arise after them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine shall consume the land;
31And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following; for it shall be very grievous.
32And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.
Commentary · verses 29-32
God showed Pharaoh two dreams so he would know it was important and that it was from God.
33Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.
34Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint overseers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years.
35And let them gather all the food of these good years that come, and lay up grain under the hand of Pharaoh for food in the cities, and let them keep it.
36And the food shall be for a store to the land against the seven years of famine, which shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land perish not through the famine.
33Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.
34Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years.
35And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities.
36And that food shall be for store to the land against the seven years of famine, which shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land perish not through the famine.
Commentary · verses 33-36
Joseph gave Pharaoh a strategy.
Doctrines on this passage
37And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants.
38And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom the spirit of God is?
37And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants.
38And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?
Commentary · verses 37-38
The king recognized the interpreter of his dreams had the Spirit of God in him. As with Daniel and all the godly people presented to us in the Bible: Joseph first helped the person (king), then the person (king) was led to recognizing God.
39And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath showed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou: 40thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.
39And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art:
40Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.
Commentary · verses 39-40
Pharaoh put Joseph in charge and made him #2 of all Egypt. Joseph's excellent appearance certainly did not hurt Pharaoh's ability to see Joseph as his representative.
41And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.
42And Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph’s hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck; 43and he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he set him over all the land of Egypt.
41And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.
42And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph’s hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;
43And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt.
Commentary · verses 41-43
The phrase "Bow the knee" came from the Egyptian word abrech. This word was not referring to a physical bowing down but it symbolized either a "father" or "native prince." The Egyptians saw Joseph as an authority and as an Egyptian. This can be seen as the Egyptians stating to Joseph that he was their "father."
44And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or his foot in all the land of Egypt.
45And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphenath-paneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath, the daughter of Poti-phera priest of On. And Joseph went out over the land of Egypt.
44And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.
45And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphnath–paaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Poti–pherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt.
Commentary · verses 44-45
Pharaoh gave Joseph a new name according to the king's culture. "Zaphenath-paneah" meant "treasury of the glorious rest." Abram, Jacob, and Joseph were all renamed. Joseph was not referred to by the king's name during the rest of the story.
46And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.
46And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.
Commentary · verse 46
Joseph was twenty-eight years old when he interpreted the butler's dream. Joseph spent a combined thirteen years in Potiphar's house and prison. Joseph was thirty years old when he was called into Pharaoh's service. Notice, Rabbis in Israel were also called into service at thirty years old, which made Joseph a "type of Christ."
47And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls.
48And he gathered up all the food of the seven years which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities: the food of the field, which was round about every city, laid he up in the same.
49And Joseph laid up grain as the sand of the sea, very much, until he left off numbering; for it was without number.
50And unto Joseph were born two sons before the year of famine came, whom Asenath, the daughter of Poti-phera priest of On, bare unto him.
51And Joseph called the name of the first-born Manasseh: For, said he, God hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father’s house.
47And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls.
48And he gathered up all the food of the seven years, which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities: the food of the field, which was round about every city, laid he up in the same.
49And Joseph gathered corn as the sand of the sea, very much, until he left numbering; for it was without number.
50And unto Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came, which Asenath the daughter of Poti–pherah priest of On bare unto him.
51And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father’s house.
Commentary · verses 47-51
"Manasseh" meant "he forgot the bad times." This represented death.
52And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.
52And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.
Commentary · verse 52
"Ephraim" meant "he is fruitful in the good times." This represented life/resurrection.
53And the seven years of plenty, that was in the land of Egypt, came to an end.
54And the seven years of famine began to come, according as Joseph had said: and there was famine in all lands; but in all the land of Egypt there was bread.
53And the seven years of plenteousness, that was in the land of Egypt, were ended.
54And the seven years of dearth began to come, according as Joseph had said: and the dearth was in all lands; but in all the land of Egypt there was bread.
Commentary · verses 53-54
Joseph's strategy worked. Egypt had bread during the famine.
55And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread: and Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians, Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you, do.
55And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread: and Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians, Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you, do.
Commentary · verse 55
Pharaoh stood by his word and directed his people to Joseph.
56And the famine was over all the face of the earth: and Joseph opened all the store-houses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine was sore in the land of Egypt.
57And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph to buy grain, because the famine was sore in all the earth.
56And the famine was over all the face of the earth: And Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt.
57And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn; because that the famine was so sore in all lands.
Commentary · verses 56-57
Joseph's strategy led to Egypt growing in wealth during the famine.
Where You Stopped
Genesis 42
1Now Jacob saw that there was grain in Egypt, and Jacob said unto his sons, Why do ye look one upon another?
2And he said, Behold, I have heard that there is grain in Egypt: get you down thither, and buy for us from thence; that we may live, and not die.
1Now when Jacob saw that there was corn in Egypt, Jacob said unto his sons, Why do ye look one upon another?
2And he said, Behold, I have heard that there is corn in Egypt: get you down thither, and buy for us from thence; that we may live, and not die.
Commentary · verses 1-2
Jacob sent his sons to Egypt so "that we may live, and not die." The famine reached the land of Canaan.
3And Joseph’s ten brethren went down to buy grain from Egypt.
4But Benjamin, Joseph’s brother, Jacob sent not with his brethren; for he said, Lest peradventure harm befall him.
3And Joseph’s ten brethren went down to buy corn in Egypt.
4But Benjamin, Joseph’s brother, Jacob sent not with his brethren; for he said, Lest peradventure mischief befall him.
Commentary · verses 3-4
Benjamin was not sent, just the ten sons who sold Joseph into slavery.
5And the sons of Israel came to buy among those that came: for the famine was in the land of Canaan.
6And Joseph was the governor over the land; he it was that sold to all the people of the land. And Joseph’s brethren came, and bowed down themselves to him with their faces to the earth.
7And Joseph saw his brethren, and he knew them, but made himself strange unto them, and spake roughly with them; and he said unto them, Whence come ye? And they said, From the land of Canaan to buy food.
5And the sons of Israel came to buy corn among those that came: for the famine was in the land of Canaan.
6And Joseph was the governor over the land, and he it was that sold to all the people of the land: and Joseph’s brethren came, and bowed down themselves before him with their faces to the earth.
7And Joseph saw his brethren, and he knew them, but made himself strange unto them, and spake roughly unto them; and he said unto them, Whence come ye? And they said, From the land of Canaan to buy food.
Commentary · verses 5-7
Joseph acted differently so his brothers would not recognize him.
8And Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him.
9And Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed of them, and said unto them, Ye are spies; to see the nakedness of the land ye are come.
10And they said unto him, Nay, my lord, but to buy food are thy servants come.
11We are all one man’s sons; we are true men, thy servants are no spies.
12And he said unto them, Nay, but to see the nakedness of the land ye are come.
13And they said, We thy servants are twelve brethren, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; and, behold, the youngest is this day with our father, and one is not.
8And Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him.
9And Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed of them, and said unto them, Ye are spies; to see the nakedness of the land ye are come.
10And they said unto him, Nay, my lord, but to buy food are thy servants come.
11We are all one man’s sons; we are true men, thy servants are no spies.
12And he said unto them, Nay, but to see the nakedness of the land ye are come.
13And they said, Thy servants are twelve brethren, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; and, behold, the youngest is this day with our father, and one is not.
Commentary · verses 8-13
Joseph repeatedly stressed them until they panicked and mentioned the youngest brother was with their father.
14And Joseph said unto them, That is it that I spake unto you, saying, Ye are spies: 15hereby ye shall be proved: by the life of Pharaoh ye shall not go forth hence, except your youngest brother come hither.
14And Joseph said unto them, That is it that I spake unto you, saying, Ye are spies:
15Hereby ye shall be proved: By the life of Pharaoh ye shall not go forth hence, except your youngest brother come hither.
Commentary · verses 14-15
Joseph wanted to see his brother Benjamin. Was this because Joseph was trying to make his dream from Genesis 37:9 come to pass? Only ten of the "stars" were bowing down to him. In order for that dream to come to pass, he needed all eleven of the "stars" present so they could bow down to him. Or was it just because Joseph missed his brother Benjamin?
16Send one of you, and let him fetch your brother, and ye shall be bound, that your words may be proved, whether there be truth in you: or else by the life of Pharaoh surely ye are spies.
17And he put them all together into ward three days.
16Send one of you, and let him fetch your brother, and ye shall be kept in prison, that your words may be proved, whether there be any truth in you: or else by the life of Pharaoh surely ye are spies.
17And he put them all together into ward three days.
Commentary · verses 16-17
Joseph started this process by negotiating that one of the brothers returned to fetch Benjamin. Then Joseph jailed his ten brothers for three days. Was this Justice for selling him into slavery for fifteen years?
18And Joseph said unto them the third day, This do, and live; for I fear God: 19if ye be true men, let one of your brethren be bound in your prison-house; but go ye, carry grain for the famine of your houses: 20and bring your youngest brother unto me; so shall your words be verified, and ye shall not die. And they did so.
18And Joseph said unto them the third day, This do, and live; for I fear God:
19If ye be true men, let one of your brethren be bound in the house of your prison: go ye, carry corn for the famine of your houses:
20But bring your youngest brother unto me; so shall your words be verified, and ye shall not die. And they did so.
Commentary · verses 18-20
Joseph renegotiated and offered them a deal that involved him keeping only one of the brothers in jail while the other nine went back to Canaan.
21And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the distress of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us.
22And Reuben answered them, saying, Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? therefore also, behold, his blood is required.
21And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us.
22And Reuben answered them, saying, Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? therefore, behold, also his blood is required.
Commentary · verses 21-22
The brothers felt guilty for how they treated Joseph. All these years later, they weren't able to forget. Reuben essentially said, "I told you so!"
23And they knew not that Joseph understood them; for there was an interpreter between them.
24And he turned himself about from them, and wept; and he returned to them, and spake to them, and took Simeon from among them, and bound him before their eyes.
23And they knew not that Joseph understood them; for he spake unto them by an interpreter.
24And he turned himself about from them, and wept; and returned to them again, and communed with them, and took from them Simeon, and bound him before their eyes.
Commentary · verses 23-24
Joseph took and bound Simeon right in front of the other nine brothers.
25Then Joseph commanded to fill their vessels with grain, and to restore every man’s money into his sack, and to give them provision for the way: and thus was it done unto them.
26And they laded their asses with their grain, and departed thence.
27And as one of them opened his sack to give his ass provender in the lodging-place, he espied his money; and, behold, it was in the mouth of his sack.
28And he said unto his brethren, My money is restored; and, lo, it is even in my sack: and their heart failed them, and they turned trembling one to another, saying, What is this that God hath done unto us?
25Then Joseph commanded to fill their sacks with corn, and to restore every man’s money into his sack, and to give them provision for the way: and thus did he unto them.
26And they laded their asses with the corn, and departed thence.
27And as one of them opened his sack to give his ass provender in the inn, he espied his money; for, behold, it was in his sack’s mouth.
28And he said unto his brethren, My money is restored; and, lo, it is even in my sack: and their heart failed them, and they were afraid, saying one to another, What is this that God hath done unto us?
Commentary · verses 25-28
They were blessed and they were afraid of God.
29And they came unto Jacob their father unto the land of Canaan, and told him all that had befallen them, saying, 30The man, the lord of the land, spake roughly with us, and took us for spies of the country.
31And we said unto him, We are true men; we are no spies: 32we are twelve brethren, sons of our father; one is not, and the youngest is this day with our father in the land of Canaan.
33And the man, the lord of the land, said unto us, Hereby shall I know that ye are true men: leave one of your brethren with me, and take grain for the famine of your houses, and go your way; 34and bring your youngest brother unto me: then shall I know that ye are no spies, but that ye are true men: so will I deliver you your brother, and ye shall traffic in the land.
29And they came unto Jacob their father unto the land of Canaan, and told him all that befell unto them; saying,
30The man, who is the lord of the land, spake roughly to us, and took us for spies of the country.
31And we said unto him, We are true men; we are no spies:
32We be twelve brethren, sons of our father; one is not, and the youngest is this day with our father in the land of Canaan.
33And the man, the lord of the country, said unto us, Hereby shall I know that ye are true men; leave one of your brethren here with me, and take food for the famine of your households, and be gone:
34And bring your youngest brother unto me: then shall I know that ye are no spies, but that ye are true men: so will I deliver you your brother, and ye shall traffick in the land.
Commentary · verses 29-34
Joseph kept Simeon while they went to bring Benjamin back.
35And it came to pass as they emptied their sacks, that, behold, every man’s bundle of money was in his sack: and when they and their father saw their bundles of money, they were afraid.
36And Jacob their father said unto them, Me have ye bereaved of my children: Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and ye will take Benjamin away: all these things are against me.
35And it came to pass as they emptied their sacks, that, behold, every man’s bundle of money was in his sack: and when both they and their father saw the bundles of money, they were afraid.
36And Jacob their father said unto them, Me have ye bereaved of my children: Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and ye will take Benjamin away: all these things are against me.
Commentary · verses 35-36
Jacob was in distress. He was focused on himself. Was he referred to as Jacob instead of Israel because he was not handling this situation well?
37And Reuben spake unto his father, saying, Slay my two sons, if I bring him not to thee: deliver him into my hand, and I will bring him to thee again.
38And he said, My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he only is left: if harm befall him by the way in which ye go, then will ye bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to Sheol.
37And Reuben spake unto his father, saying, Slay my two sons, if I bring him not to thee: deliver him into my hand, and I will bring him to thee again.
38And he said, My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he is left alone: if mischief befall him by the way in the which ye go, then shall ye bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave.
Commentary · verses 37-38
Apparently, Reuben still felt guilty about selling Joseph and was willing to make up for it.
Commentary · verse 38
This day's reading covered Joseph's promotion to Pharaoh's #2 man over all of Egypt. We also saw that Jacob sent all of his sons (except for Benjamin) to Egypt to buy food. Joseph, whom the brothers did not recognize, kept Simeon and told the rest of his brothers to bring Benjamin back to him.
We have no time frame for Joseph's time in Potiphar's house and in prison. The story now introduced two new characters: the butler and the baker.