Why Joseph Spent Two More Years in Pharaoh's Prison

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Miketz 2:3

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

Another interpretation (of Proverbs 14:23): "In all toil there is profit." This was Joseph, who was distressed in the prison and yet had an advantage, and "Joseph was the ruler" (Genesis 42:6). "But mere talk of the lips leads only to want" (Proverbs 14:23). Because he spoke with his lips and said (Genesis 40:14): "But remember me when it is well with you," the Holy One, blessed be He, said to him: By your life, since you spoke with your lips words that were not fitting, by your life, you shall spend two more years in the prison, as it is said (Genesis 41:1): "And it came to pass at the end of two full years."

Themes

JosephDivine Providence

Biblical References

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