GroundedNarrativeGenesis 40 (selected)
The cupbearer and the baker
Genesis 40 (selected)narrative
The cupbearer and the baker
The history
In prison Joseph reads the dreams of two of Pharaoh’s officials, the cupbearer and the baker, and reads them truly: one restored, one hanged. He asks for one thing in return, to be remembered. And the cupbearer walks out free and forgets him for two more years. It is the floor of the whole story. Joseph does the one thing he can, accurately and generously, and is forgotten, the gift that will one day save a nation sitting useless in a cell while the one man who could free him puts him out of his mind.
Sarna · Alter
8“We both had dreams,” they replied, “but there is no one to interpret them.” Then Joseph said to them, “Don’t interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams.” 14But when it goes well for you, please remember me and show me kindness by mentioning me to Pharaoh, that he might bring me out of this prison. 23The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot all about him.