Joseph in Prison

Joseph in Prison

When the Ishmaelite merchants brought Joseph to Egypt, they sold him as a slave to Potiphar, who was a captain of the guard in the palace of the Pharaoh, ruler of Egypt.

Joseph was a good youth and guided by the Lord. He served Potiphar well, so Potiphar made him manager of his house and fields. But, when

Potiphar's wife, who was jealous of Joseph, accused him of something he did not do, Joseph was cast into prison. Still the Lord was with Joseph, and the keeper of the prison favored him. He was given charge of some of the prisoners and then of all, and under his supervision life among the prisoners became more bearable.

In the prison at the same time with Joseph were two servants of Pharaoh, his chief butler and his chief baker. Joseph noticed one morning that they seemed worried. When he asked the reason, the two men told him that they had dreamed strange dreams which they could not understand. They told their dreams to Joseph.

The chief butler said, "I dreamed there was a vine before me. It had three branches that budded, blossomed, and brought forth ripe grapes. I pressed the grapes into Pharaoh's cup and gave it to him."

Joseph said to him, "The three branches are three days. Within three days Pharaoh will release you from prison and you shall give him his cup as you did when you were his butler. When things go well with you, remember me and speak of me to Pharaoh sot hat I may be freed from prison."

The baker had dreamed that he was carrying three baskets of pastry for Pharaoh, and that three birds came and ate the cakes from the top basket. Joseph said, "The three baskets are three days. Within three days the Pharaoh shall have you hanged on a tree and the birds shall eat your flesh."

Three days later, which was the Pharaoh's birthday, the king prepared a feast for all his servants. The chief baker was hanged, but the chief butler was restored to his former position. As soon as he was free, however, the butler forgot all about Joseph.