"Do Not Interpretations Belong to God"

Conclusion of JEHOVAH CONTINUED WITH JOSEPH

The cup-bearer went first. He told Joseph of a dream about a vine with three twigs that bore clusters of grapes ripened, and the  cup-bearer squeezed the juice into Pharaoh's cup. Thanks to Jehovah, Joseph instantly knew the meaning behind the dream. He told the cup-bearer that the three twigs meant three days; within that time, Pharaoh would restore the cup-bearer to his former position. As relief swept over the cup-bearer's features, Joseph added this request:  "Please show me loyal love and mention me to Pharaoh."  Joseph explained that he had been kidnapped from home and imprisoned without just cause. -Genesis 40:9-15.

Encouraged by the good news the cup-bearer had received, the baker asked Joseph the meaning of his own dream in which he had seen three baskets of bread as well as birds eating from one of the baskets on his head. The answer to this riddle was also given to Joseph. But it did not mean good news for the baker. Joseph said: "This is its interpretation:  The three baskets  are three days. Three days from now, Pharaoh will behead you and will hang you on a stake, and the birds will eat your flesh from you." (Genesis 40:16-19) Like all of God's faithful servants, Joseph boldly revealed God's messages, both the good the news and the news of impending judgment. -Isaiah 61:2. 

Three days later, Joseph's words came true. Pharaoh held a birthday party-a practice not found among God's people in Bible times-and pronounced judgment on his two servants. The baker was executed, just as Joseph had foretold, whereas the cup-bearer was restored to his former position. Sadly, though, that neglectful man forgot all about Joseph. -Genesis 40:20-23. 

Next time: "Do not Interpretations Belong to God?" - "I NEED NOT BE CONSIDERED"

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015