“It was after these matters; the butler of the king of Egypt and the baker sinned against their master, against the king of Egypt” (Genesis 40:1). “It was after these matters…sinned.” “Deliver me from all my transgressions; do not disgrace me among the scoundrels” (Psalms 39:9) – Rabbi Ḥama bar Ḥanina and Rabbi Shmuel bar Naḥman, Rabbi Ḥama bar Ḥanina said: The nations of the world were not fit to have anguished and despised individuals in their midst.1Since they are rewarded for their good deeds in this world and punished in the next world, it would have been fitting for them to not have individuals who suffer in this world (Yefeh To’ar).
Why, then, do they have anguished and despised individuals in their midst? It is so they will not taunt Israel and say to them: ‘You are a nation of anguished and despised people.’ This is in accordance with [the verse]: “Do not disgrace me among the scoundrels.” Rabbi Shmuel bar Naḥman said: The nations of the world were not fit to have those who develop scabs in their midst.
Why, then, do they have those who develop scabs in their midst? It is so they will not taunt Israel and say to them: ‘Are you not a nation of lepers?’ This is in accordance with [the verse]: “Do not disgrace me among the scoundrels.” Another matter, “deliver me from all my transgressions…” – this is Joseph.
Because it is written in his regard: “She called to the people of her household…” (Genesis 39:14) – she placed him in the mouths of all of them,2The wife of Potiphar caused everyone to talk about how improper it was that Joseph had received so much from his master and had reciprocated by attempting to seduce his wife. the Holy One blessed be He said: ‘It is preferable that they turn against one another and not turn against this righteous one.’
That is what is written: “It was after these matters…sinned….” (Genesis 40:1).3God arranged for people to be distracted by the next sensation, the incarceration of the butler and baker.