John Calvin Commentary Exodus 1:6

"And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation." — Exodus 1:6 (ASV)

And Joseph died. The Rabbis ignorantly conclude from this expression that Joseph died before his brothers, while it is evident that the others were overlooked, and his name was specifically mentioned to honor him, as he was the only one then in authority.

Moses does not say how long they survived their father but only marks the beginning of the change. This suggests that the Israelites were treated humanely for a considerable time, so the condition of those who went down with Jacob was tolerable. Free from all injustice and tyranny, they peacefully enjoyed the hospitality shown to them.

At the same time, he indicates that when all that generation had passed away, the desire and memory of the land of Canaan, which they had never seen, might have faded from the minds of their descendants if they had not been forcibly stirred to seek it.

And undoubtedly, since these people were forgetful and careless in reflecting on God's mercies, God could not have better provided for their salvation than by allowing them to be cruelly tested and afflicted. Otherwise, as if their origin had been in Egypt, they might have preferred to remain forever in their nest, and through that indifference, the hope of the promised heritage would have been erased from their hearts.