75. Birthday Feast

From: Manners and Customs of the Bible By: James M. Freeman

Genesis 40:20²⁰And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants. (Genesis 40:20). It came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants.

The Eastern kings celebrated their birthdays by holding feasts and granting pardon to offenders. On the occasion referred to in the text the king availed himself of this custom to pardon the chief butler; although, for some reason not stated, he refused to grant the same clemency to the chief baker.

See also Matthew 14:6⁶But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod. (Matthew 14:6); Mark 6:21²¹And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee; (Mark 6:21).

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