Topical Bible: Intercession: Pharaoh's Chief Baker for Joseph

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◄ Intercession: Pharaoh's Chief Baker for Joseph ►

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In the biblical narrative found in the Book of Genesis, the account of Pharaoh's chief baker and his interaction with Joseph provides a compelling example of intercession, albeit one that ultimately did not come to fruition as intended. This account is situated within the broader account of Joseph, a Hebrew who was sold into slavery by his brothers and eventually rose to prominence in Egypt.

Context and Background

Joseph, the son of Jacob, found himself in Egypt after being sold by his brothers. Despite his circumstances, he gained favor in the house of Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. However, after being falsely accused by Potiphar's wife, Joseph was imprisoned. It was during his time in prison that Joseph encountered two of Pharaoh's officials: the chief cupbearer and the chief baker. Both had been imprisoned due to offenses against Pharaoh.

The Dreams and Joseph's Interpretation

While in prison, both the chief cupbearer and the chief baker experienced troubling dreams on the same night. Joseph, known for his ability to interpret dreams, offered his assistance. The chief cupbearer recounted his dream first, and Joseph interpreted it favorably, predicting his restoration to Pharaoh's service within three days. Encouraged by this positive interpretation, the chief baker shared his own dream. However, Joseph's interpretation for the baker was dire, foretelling his execution within three days.

Genesis 40:12-13 records Joseph's interpretation for the cupbearer: "This is the interpretation... Within three days Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you to your position, and you will put Pharaoh’s cup into his hand, just as you did when you were his cupbearer."

For the chief baker, Joseph's interpretation was starkly different, as recorded in Genesis 40:18-19 : "This is the interpretation... Within three days Pharaoh will lift off your head and hang you on a tree, and the birds will eat the flesh of your body."

The Role of Intercession

Joseph, recognizing the opportunity for his own deliverance, made a request to the chief cupbearer. He asked him to remember him and mention him to Pharaoh once he was restored to his position, hoping this intercession would lead to his release from prison. Genesis 40:14 captures Joseph's plea: "But when it goes well with you, please remember me and show me kindness by mentioning me to Pharaoh, so that he might bring me out of this prison."

The chief baker, however, did not have the opportunity to intercede for Joseph, as his fate was sealed by the interpretation of his dream. The narrative does not record any attempt or request for intercession from the baker, likely due to the unfavorable outcome of his dream.

Outcome and Significance

As Joseph had interpreted, the events unfolded precisely as predicted. The chief cupbearer was restored to his position, while the chief baker was executed. Despite Joseph's request, the chief cupbearer initially forgot to intercede on Joseph's behalf, leaving him in prison for an additional two years until Pharaoh himself had a troubling dream that none could interpret, leading to Joseph's eventual rise to power.

The account of Pharaoh's chief baker and Joseph highlights the complexities of intercession within the biblical narrative. It underscores the human element of forgetfulness and the divine orchestration of events, as Joseph's eventual deliverance and rise to power were part of God's greater plan for the preservation of Israel.

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Genesis 41:9-13
Then spoke the chief butler to Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day:
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Genesis 40:14
But think on me when it shall be well with you, and show kindness, I pray you, to me, and make mention of me to Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house:
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