“Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgot him.”
Genesis 40:21 is part of the narrative surrounding Joseph’s time in prison, where he was unjustly imprisoned after being falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife. In this particular verse, we see the outcome of Joseph’s interaction with the chief butler while they were both in prison.
To understand the significance of this verse, let’s review the context. In Genesis 40, Pharaoh’s chief butler and chief baker were imprisoned alongside Joseph. They each had dreams that troubled them, and Joseph, who had been gifted by God with the ability to interpret dreams, accurately interpreted their dreams. Joseph informed the chief butler that within three days, Pharaoh would lift him up and restore him to his former position.
Now, in Genesis 40:21, we see the unfortunate turn of events. Despite Joseph’s accurate interpretation of his dream and the promise he made, the chief butler forgot about Joseph when he was restored to his position in Pharaoh’s court. This verse reveals the chief butler’s negligence and ingratitude towards Joseph, who had helped him during his time of distress.
From a theological perspective, this verse showcases a recurring theme in Joseph’s life-his journey from being favored by his father and receiving divine revelations through dreams to being betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and now forgotten by the chief butler. Joseph faced numerous trials and hardships, yet God remained faithful to him throughout his journey.
This particular incident, where the chief butler forgets Joseph, sets the stage for subsequent events. It is in the following chapter, Genesis 41, that Pharaoh himself has a dream and the chief butler finally remembers Joseph and tells Pharaoh about his ability to interpret dreams. This eventually leads to Joseph’s release from prison and his rise to power as the second-in-command in Egypt, ultimately fulfilling the divine plan and purpose God had for Joseph’s life.
The story of Joseph’s life serves as a reminder that even in times of difficulty and apparent abandonment, God’s providence is at work. Joseph’s faithfulness, integrity, and reliance on God’s promises throughout his journey eventually led to his exaltation and the fulfillment of the dreams God had given him earlier in his life.
In summary, Genesis 40:21 highlights the chief butler’s forgetfulness of Joseph after Joseph had interpreted his dream accurately. This verse contributes to the overarching narrative of Joseph’s life, emphasizing God’s faithfulness in spite of Joseph’s setbacks and highlighting Joseph’s eventual rise to a position of power. It serves as a reminder to trust in God’s timing and providence, even when others may forget or betray us.
