Why Pharaoh's Cupbearer and Baker Sinned Against Their Lord

Midrash Aggadah, Genesis 40:1

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"They offended" [the cupbearer], and so forth (Genesis 40:1). The chief cupbearer — a fly was found in his lukewarm drink; and the chief baker — a pebble was found inside his fine loaf. Another interpretation of "they offended": they sought to couple with the daughter of the king. It is said here "they offended," and it is said elsewhere, "How then can I do this great wickedness, [and sin against God]" (Genesis 39:9).

Themes

EgyptJosephDivine Justice

Biblical References

Continue Reading

Book of JubileesJoseph Falsely Accused and Thrown Into PrisonBook of Jubilees turns to Joseph Falsely Accused and Thrown Into Prison. Our story picks up in the Book of Jubilees, specifically chapter 39. Now, the Book of JLetter of AristeasAlexandria and the DreamerI think it's worthwhile to share a copy of this ancient decree with you, because it really highlights the king's, shall we say, magnanimity. He was, as the textLetter of AristeasEgypt — Joseph the RulerMore often, it's a tale riddled with injustice, with power used to justify the unthinkable. The Letter of Aristeas, a fascinating document supposedly written inLegends of the JewsThe Brothers Saw Egypt as a Tiny Village They Could CrushIt can make you feel like you can take on the world. That's the feeling that must have coursed through Joseph's brothers as they strode back into the Egyptian cLegends of the JewsMidnight in EgyptThe familiar story centers on the Exodus, the Israelites' escape from slavery in Egypt. But the tenth plague, the slaying of the firstborn, wasn't just a targetAgainst ApionHow the Egyptians and Babylonians Kept Their RecordsJosephus, in his work Against Apion, reflects on this very question. He's making a case for the integrity and antiquity of Jewish history, and he does so by com