Mikeitz
After two long yearsPharaoh's cupbearer speaks upTells about Joseph
"When we were in jailA Hebrew youth was with usInterpreted dreams"
When he interpreted the cupbearer's dream in last week's portion, Joseph said, "think of me when all is well with you again, and do me the kindness of mentioning me to Pharaoh, so as to free me from this place" (Gen 40:14) But as the portion ended we learned that after the cupbearer was freed he "did not think of Joseph; he forgot him." (Gen 40:23).This week's portion begins "after two years' time" (Gen 41:1) with Pharaoh's dreams. He "sent for all of the magicians in Egypt, and all of its wise men ... but none could interpret" the dreams. (Gen 41:8). Finally, "the chief cupbearer then spoke up" and told Pharoah about "a Hebrew youth" with whom he shared a jail cell, and who could interpret dreams. Upon hearing these words, "Pharaoh sent for Joseph" (Gen 41:9-14)Joseph sat alone in Pharaoh's prison for two years, but now the stage is finally set for Jacob's favorite son to rise to power in Egypt. Pharaoh's Dream illustration by Jim Padgett via Wikimedia Commons