Let's delve into this chapter of Joseph's life, as told in Legends of the Jews by Ginzberg, drawing from various Midrashic sources.
According to these accounts, Joseph's imprisonment wasn't just a random act of misfortune. It was, in a way, a consequence for speaking ill of his brothers before their father, Jacob. The price? Ten long years behind bars. But it was also a reward for his incredible integrity and unwavering faith, his commitment to Kiddush Hashem, sanctifying God's name.
As a sign of divine favor, the Hebrew letter He, which appears twice in God’s name, was added to Joseph's name, transforming him into Jehoseph. But even within the cold, harsh walls of the prison, Joseph couldn't escape the relentless attention of Potiphar's wife, Zuleika. Her passion hadn't diminished, and she saw imprisonment as an opportunity to finally bend him to her will.
She pleaded, threatened, and even offered him freedom in exchange for his compliance. "This and that outrage have I executed against thee," she'd say, "but, as thou livest, I will put yet other outrages upon thee if thou dost not obey me." But Joseph, unwavering in his faith, responded with verses, each a testament to his trust in God. To Zuleika's threats, he countered with the Lord's love for the righteous and His protection of strangers. He famously declared, "Better it is to remain here than be with thee and commit a trespass against God."
Eventually, Zuleika gave up her pursuit. But even as a prisoner, Joseph retained his master's favor. He continued to serve Potiphar, even receiving permission to spend time outside the prison walls, in Potiphar's house. The jailer, impressed by Joseph's diligence, integrity, and captivating presence, made his life as comfortable as possible. He gave him better food and, eventually, made him overseer of the entire prison. Imagine that – a prisoner running the prison! The Midrash tells us the jailer could see no wrong in him, and he observed that God was with him.
Then, in a twist of fate, two high-ranking officials – the chief butler and the chief baker – offended the king of Egypt and were thrown into the same prison. According to Midrash Rabbah, God orchestrated this to divert attention from Joseph's scandal and, more importantly, to set the stage for his eventual release. The accusations against them were serious: attempting to harm Pharaoh's daughter and conspiring to poison the king! A fly in the wine and a pebble in the bread were the (alleged) evidence.
Divine providence was at play, says Ginzberg. The king's wrath was kindled so that Joseph's wish for liberty might be fulfilled, for they were the instruments of his deliverance from prison.
After a decade of imprisonment, both the butler and the baker had strange, vivid dreams on the same night. Joseph, noticing their distress, inquired about their well-being, following the manner of the sages. They explained their shared predicament: two similar dreams, with no one to interpret them. "God granteth understanding to man to interpret dreams. Tell them me, I pray you," Joseph replied.
The chief butler recounted his dream of a vine with three branches, ripe grapes, and pressing them into Pharaoh's cup. Joseph, according to Legends of the Jews, saw a deeper meaning, a prophecy of Israel's future. The three branches represented the three patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The redemption from Egypt would come through three leaders: Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. The cup given to Pharaoh symbolized the cup of wrath he would ultimately have to drink.
However, Joseph kept this profound interpretation to himself. Instead, he offered the butler a favorable interpretation of his personal dream, asking him to remember him and help him gain freedom when he was restored to his position.
The chief baker, emboldened by the butler's positive interpretation, shared his dream: three baskets of white bread on his head, with birds eating the baked goods from the uppermost basket. Again, Joseph saw a hidden prophecy: the three baskets represented the three kingdoms that would subjugate Israel – Babylon, Media, and Greece. The uppermost basket symbolized the wicked rule of Rome, which would dominate until the coming of the Messiah, the "bird" who would annihilate Rome.
Joseph kept this prophecy secret as well, offering the baker only a grim interpretation of his personal fate. Three days later, on Pharaoh's birthday, Joseph's predictions came true. The chief butler was restored to his position, and the chief baker was hanged. Pharaoh's counselors had uncovered the baker's carelessness and his involvement in the plot to poison the king.
But what about Joseph? Would the butler remember him, as he had promised? We’ll have to tune in next time to see how this story continues to unfold... because, as we all know, the story of Joseph is far from over. It's a testament to faith, resilience, and the often-unforeseen ways in which divine providence shapes our lives. And it reminds us that even in the darkest of times, hope can still blossom, even in a prison cell.