Genesis 39

them, as He had before done, and now again did, in the case of Joseph, the steps and means towards a greater advancement. Bp. Conybeare.

Chap. XL. ver. 1.—the butler—and—baker] These were two distinguished officers of the crown; “cup-bearer” and “master of the household” to the king. Bp. Patrick.

Genesis 39:4

4.—the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them.] Potiphar seems by this time to have been convinced of Joseph’s innocency, as to the crime which he had confined him for: and though, to conceal the dishonour of his wife, he thought it proper still to confine him, yet having now a still greater opinion of his virtue and prudence, he committed to him the management of

the whole prison, and so delivered these two prisoners into his custody. Pyle.

Genesis 39:5

5.—according to the interpretation] That is, such as signified the event which Joseph foretold. Bp. Kidder.

Genesis 39:15

15.—out of the land of the Hebrews:] Joseph might well call that particular part of the land of Canaan near Hebron, where Isaac and Jacob had resided so many years, “the land of the Hebrews.” They, it is true, were not originally natives of the country, but they possessed such wealth, such numerous families, herds, and flocks, that they were looked up to as “mighty princes,” as appears from the language of the children of Heth to Abraham, Gen. xxiii. 6. We find them joining the neighbouring kings in making war, chap. xiv; making compacts and leagues even with kings, chap. xxi. 23, and

remember me with thee. Pharaoh’s two dreams. Pharaoh’s two dreams. Before CHRIST 1718. Or, full of baker. of Pharaoh, the work of a baker, or, cool. Or, reckon thee, and take thy office from thee. Or, rechened. and, behold, I had three || white baskets on my head:

Genesis 39:23

23. Yet did not — remember Joseph.] Prosperity is very apt to puff men up; to incline them to vanity; and to make them overlook the concerns of other men. This we see in the instance before us. The chief butler bestowed not one kind thought on Joseph for full two years. He contented himself with following his own pleasures, and enjoying the good fortune which had befallen him: whilst this innocent and extraordinary person was left friendless in prison, and supported only by the consciousness of his innocence, and the favour of his God. Bp. Conybeare.

Chap. XLI. ver. 5. — seven ears of corn came up upon one stalk.] This is not an unusual and monstrous pro-

duction, as it has been often supposed to be. A species of wheat, which grows in Egypt, actually bears, when perfect, this number of ears on one stalk. The stem is solid, or at least full of pith, in order to yield sufficient nourishment and support to so great a weight as the ears it bears; whereas the stem of our own wheat is a mere hollow straw. Fragments to Calmet.