The narrative of the Chief Butler, also known as the cupbearer, is found in the Book of Genesis, specifically in chapters 40 and 41. This account provides a poignant example of ingratitude, highlighting the human tendency to forget kindness and assistance once personal relief is achieved.

Biblical Context

The account unfolds during the time Joseph, the son of Jacob, is imprisoned in Egypt. Joseph, having been sold into slavery by his brothers, finds himself in the service of Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. Due to false accusations, Joseph is cast into prison, where he meets two of Pharaoh's officials: the Chief Butler and the Chief Baker. Both officials are detained due to offenses against Pharaoh.

Joseph's Interpretation of Dreams

While in prison, both the Chief Butler and the Chief Baker experience troubling dreams on the same night. Observing their distress, Joseph offers to interpret their dreams, attributing the ability to God. The Chief Butler recounts his dream to Joseph, who interprets it favorably, predicting that in three days, the Butler will be restored to his position. Joseph requests that the Butler remember him and mention him to Pharaoh to secure his release from prison: "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" (Genesis 40:14).

Fulfillment and Forgetfulness

As Joseph predicted, the Chief Butler is restored to his position on Pharaoh's birthday, while the Chief Baker is executed. Despite the accuracy of Joseph's interpretation and the kindness shown to him, the Chief Butler fails to remember Joseph. Genesis 40:23 states, "The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him."

Theological Implications

The Chief Butler's ingratitude serves as a cautionary tale about the human propensity to overlook those who have aided us in times of need. This narrative underscores the importance of gratitude and the moral obligation to acknowledge and repay kindness. The Butler's forgetfulness delays Joseph's deliverance, illustrating how ingratitude can have significant consequences not only for the benefactor but also for the one who fails to express thanks.

Later Developments

Two years later, when Pharaoh experiences troubling dreams that none of his magicians or wise men can interpret, the Chief Butler finally remembers Joseph. He recounts his own experience with Joseph's accurate interpretation, leading to Joseph's release and subsequent rise to power in Egypt (Genesis 41:9-13). This delayed recognition of Joseph's abilities and kindness highlights the eventual rectification of the Butler's earlier ingratitude, yet it also serves as a reminder of the lost time and opportunities due to his initial forgetfulness.

The account of the Chief Butler and Joseph is a timeless reminder of the virtue of gratitude and the importance of remembering those who have been instruments of God's providence in our lives.Genesis 40:23
Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgot him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Upon Human Nature.
... benevolence in a due degree; and that self-love is one chief security of ... is no such
thing as love of injustice, oppression, treachery, ingratitude, but only ...
//christianbookshelf.org/butler/human nature/sermon i upon human nature.htm

The Sixth Commandment
... he is not guilty of murder only, but of disobedience, ingratitude, and diabolical ...
The chief butler may forget Joseph's kindness, but the Lord will not forget ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 6 the sixth commandment.htm

Making the Man.
... then a potent force in America, Butler and Paley ... mentioned in Domesday, but its chief
importance dates ... objections to his apparent ingratitude and stubbornness ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclean/william black/ii making the man.htm

Footnotes
... of Aristotle continued to occupy the chief place, in the ... Butler represents Dr. Strang
to have been an acute ... lawgiver, made no law against ingratitude, it is ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/footnotes.htm

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