“Now it came to pass (“it coming to pass” attests to the fact that it is exactly as the Lord had ordained it and revealed it to His servant Joseph) on the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, (it is always interesting to glean historical information concerning the customs of the time from the Word of God; here for example we recognise how far back in the history of mankind it was considered customary to celebrate birthdays) that he made a feast for all his servants; (much can be deduced concerning Pharaohs character from this statement alone; it is evident that by choosing to arrange such a joyous event for ‘the least of these’, namely his servants – whom he owes nothing more but their wages and who can do nothing for him in return – he is effectively manifesting his compassionate, empathetic and generous nature; this is even more significant in light of the fact that he chose a day designed to honour him for this kind act; we must consequently also infer that he was a fair man and whatever offence the baker committed against him was befitting of his ultimate punishment) and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants (i.e. he highlighted and made special mention of them). Then he restored the chief butler to his butlership again (i.e. he manifested yet more praiseworthy characteristics, namely his ability to forgive and show mercy), and he placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand. (It is furthermore important to take note of the fact that Pharaoh undoubtedly becomes a symbol or representative of God Almighty Himself as Judge.) But he hanged the chief baker (I believe there is some significance to be attributed to the fact that the butler was counted worthy to “take the cup”, but the baker was not counted worthy to “break the bread” – a picture of the separation of wheat and chaff; sheep and goats, as it pertains to the symbols of Holy Communion), as Joseph had interpreted to them (it is important at this juncture to remind the reader that Joseph’s interpretation was sound and that God Most assuredly herein initiated and announced Joseph’s anointing to speak on His behalf publicly before men and ultimately before readers of the Word for centuries to come). Yet the chief butler did not remember Joseph, but forgot him (in the simple stating of this fact it is interesting to note that we are not invited to cast judgment on the butler for, however frustrating, there is no evidence to suggest any deliberate sabotage of Joseph on his part; as a matter of fact he quite simply “forgot” which renders him innocent in the matter as we know how easy it would be for the Holy Spirit simply to bring Joseph’s request to his remembrance; no, what we ought to deduce here is that the time for Joseph’s deliverance out of bondage has not yet arrived according to the Perfect, Sovereign Timing and Will of the Lord).”

“²⁰Now it came to pass on the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, that he made a feast for all his servants; and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants. ²¹Then he restored the chief butler to his butlership again, and he placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand. ²²But he hanged the chief baker, as Joseph had interpreted to them. ²³Yet the chief butler did not remember Joseph, but forgot him.”

– Genesis 40:20-23 (NKJV)