23 But the chief of the cup-bearers did not remember Joseph, and forgot him.
My kinsfolk have failed, and my known friends have forgotten me.
I am forgotten in [their] heart as a dead man; I am become like a broken vessel.
and there was found in it a poor wise man, who by his wisdom delivered the city; but no man remembered that poor man. Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength; but the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on Genesis 40
Commentary on Genesis 40 Matthew Henry Commentary
Chapter 40
In this chapter things are working, though slowly, towards Joseph's advancement.
Gen 40:1-4
We should not have had this story of Pharaoh's butler and baker recorded in scripture if it had not been serviceable to Joseph's preferment. The world stands for the sake of the church, and is governed for its good. Observe,
Gen 40:5-19
Observe,
Gen 40:20-23
Here is,
Some observe the resemblance between Joseph and Christ in this story. Joseph's fellow-sufferers were like the two thieves that were crucified with Christ-the one saved, the other condemned. (It is Dr. Lightfoot's remark, from Mr. Broughton.) One of these, when Joseph said to him, Remember me when it shall be well with thee, forget him; but one of those, when he said to Christ, Remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom, was not forgotten. We justly blame the chief butler's ingratitude to Joseph, yet we conduct ourselves much more disingenuously towards the Lord Jesus. Joseph had but foretold the chief butler's enlargement, but Christ wrought out ours, mediated with the King of kings for us; yet we forget him, though often reminded of him, though we have promised never to forget him: thus ill do we requite him, like foolish people and unwise.