“And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad.”
This verse is part of the narrative in Genesis that focuses on the life of Joseph, the son of Jacob and Rachel. At this point in the story, Joseph finds himself imprisoned in Egypt after being falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife. While in prison, Joseph encounters two of Pharaoh’s officials, the chief butler and the chief baker, who were also imprisoned.
Let’s examine the verse and explore its context and significance:
- Joseph’s presence: The verse begins by stating, “And Joseph came in unto them in the morning.” This highlights Joseph’s role in the story and his position as an observer. Despite his own circumstances, Joseph takes notice of the chief butler and the chief baker.
- Their sadness: The verse continues, “and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad.” Joseph’s keen observation reveals that both the chief butler and the chief baker were visibly distressed. Their sadness captures Joseph’s attention, and it sets the stage for the subsequent events in the story.
- Symbolism: The contrasting emotions of sadness displayed by the chief butler and the chief baker foreshadow the divergent paths they will take. Later in the chapter, Joseph interprets their dreams, and it becomes clear that the chief butler’s dream is a positive omen while the chief baker’s dream signifies his impending doom.
- Joseph’s empathy: Despite his own difficult circumstances, Joseph shows compassion and concern for others. He takes notice of the sadness in their faces and demonstrates a willingness to engage with them. This characteristic of Joseph highlights his strength of character and his ability to empathize with others, even when facing his own trials.
- God’s providence: While the verse itself does not explicitly mention God, the events surrounding Joseph’s life consistently reveal God’s providential hand. In the subsequent verses, Joseph interprets the dreams of the chief butler and the chief baker, ultimately leading to Joseph’s release from prison and his eventual rise to prominence in Egypt.
This verse serves as a pivotal moment in Joseph’s story, foreshadowing the events that will unfold. It also demonstrates Joseph’s ability to empathize with others and highlights God’s faithfulness in using even the most challenging circumstances for His divine purposes.
By examining the broader context and considering the significance of this verse, we can gain a deeper understanding of Joseph’s character, the themes of empathy and compassion, and God’s sovereignty in the lives of His people.
