John Calvin Commentary Exodus 1:8

"Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who knew not Joseph." — Exodus 1:8 (ASV)

Now there arose a new king. After more than one hundred years had happily passed in freedom and rest, the condition of the chosen people began to change. Moses relates that the beginning of their troubles stemmed from jealousy and the groundless fear of the Egyptians, because they thought that danger might arise from this foreign nation unless they hurried to oppress it. But before he comes to this, he first states that the memory of the benefits received from Joseph had faded, because it might have somewhat lessened their cruelty if it had still been intact.

It is probable that this forgetfulness of the gratitude owed to him arose from Joseph's moderation. For if he had demanded great privileges for his people, and exemption from tributes and burdens, the memory of the country's salvation by an Israelite would have been famous for many ages. But it appears he was content with the kind hospitality given to them, so that his brothers might live comfortably and without disturbance in the land of Goshen, because he wished them to be temporary residents there until the time of their deliverance came.

In this way, he best provided for their safety, to prevent them from being ensnared and falling into the nets of destruction. However, to the extent that the holy man's moderation did not expose them to jealousy and complaint, the ingratitude of the Egyptians was all the more inexcusable in forgetting, after little more than a century, that remarkable benefit. This benefit should have been preserved everywhere in their public monuments, so that Joseph's name would never perish.

Their unkindness, therefore, was intolerable in refusing to let his relatives and descendants live temporarily among them, since they should have attributed the safety of themselves and their country, under God, to him—or rather, under God's hand and with His blessing.

But this sickness has always been rampant in the world. And certainly, it is good for us that we often receive evil from people as a reward for our kindnesses, so that we may learn in performing our duty to look to God alone. Otherwise, we are too inclined to win favor and applause for ourselves or to seek more earthly advantages.

Still, it was no small return that the Israelites had generously received for more than 100 years for Joseph's sake: they lived comfortably in a proud, greedy, and cruel nation. Nevertheless, whatever happens, even if we are not only cheated out of all payment, but even if many to whom we have shown kindness conspire to destroy us, let us never regret having done what is right. In the meantime, let us learn that nothing is more effective in restraining the desire to do wrong than the bonds of mutual connection by which God has bound us together.¹²

However, although the favor Joseph conferred had been forgotten by all, the shame and sin of ingratitude clings especially to the king. For him, it was worse than shameful to forget through whose industry and care he received such a rich annual income. For the holy Patriarch, by buying up the land, had secured a fifth of the produce as an annual tribute for the king. But tyrants are accustomed to swallow up whatever is paid to them, without considering by what right it is acquired.

¹² “Nous faisant servir les uns aux autres;” causing us to serve one another. — French..