Genesis 41
v. 9 Why does the cupbearer use the word offense?
v. 16 What is Joseph showing?
v. 37-45 Does this teach us that if we remain faithful in tought times God will make us the VP of the United States?
v. 57 What was God using Joseph to do?
Genesis 42
What's going on here?
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Gen. 41:9 - "Why does the cupbearer use the word offense?"
ReplyDeleteIn the KJV, it's "faults"; my NIV uses "shortcomings." The bottom line is that the cupbearer has messed up. Joseph asked him to "mention [him] to Pharaoh and get [him] out of this prison," but the cupbearer forgot all about him (verses 40: 14, 23). As a result, Joseph stays in prison for another 2 years. I can see why the cupbearer admits to having done him wrong!
Gen. 41:37-45 - Does this teach us that if we remain faithful in tough times God will make us the VP of the United States?
ReplyDeleteI hope not, because I definitely do not want the job! Seriously, though, I'd say the answer is No. I think a mistake Bible students often make is confusing history with doctrine; Scripture teaching us that something *did* happen is not the same thing as telling us that it *should* or *will* happen all the time. I think that's the case here. As a general principle, we know that God honors the obedience of His people, but we shouldn't expect that He'd display that honor the same way in all cases. Might John 21:18-23--in which Jesus predicts Peter's death and basically says that what happens to John is none of Peter's business--be instructive here?
John 21 is a great reference here.
ReplyDeleteDoes "shortcomings" have the same conotation as "faults" and "offense?"
ReplyDeleteGood question. I'd say "shortcomings" are general character flaws; "faults" and "offenses" would refer to specific actions or omissions. Which fits better here? We're not told that the cupbearer actually said anything to Joseph, so we may have just a bad memory (and, quite likely, ingratitude) rather than a broken promise. Your thoughts?
ReplyDeleteHe was obviously touched by the interpretation, and the vivid reality of what just happened should have awakened a certain sense of gratitude and remembrance. I wouldn't say it was as easy as a bad memory. Ingratitude, certainly. Maybe it was fear of Pharaoh.
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