John Calvin Commentary Genesis 37:18

"And they saw him afar off, and before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him." — Genesis 37:18 (ASV)

And when they saw him afar off. Here again Moses, so far from flattering his own family to protect their reputation, brands its leaders with a mark of eternal infamy and exposes them to the hatred and execration of all nations. If, at any time, among pagans, a brother murdered his brother, such impiety was treated with the utmost severity in tragedies, so that it would not become an example for others to follow. But in secular history, no such thing is found as nine brothers conspiring together for the destruction of an innocent youth and, like wild beasts, pouncing upon him with bloody hands. Therefore, a horrible and even diabolical fury took possession of the sons of Jacob when, having cast aside natural affection, they were thus prepared to rage cruelly against their own flesh and blood.

But, in addition to this wickedness, Moses condemns their impious contempt of God: Behold this master of dreams. For why do they insult the unfortunate youth, except because he had been called by divine revelation to an unexpected dignity? Besides, in this manner, they themselves proclaim their own baseness more publicly than anyone could who might purposely try to rebuke them severely.

They confess that the cause for their persecution of their brother was his having dreamed, as if this were truly an unpardonable offense. But if they are indignant at his dreams, why do they not rather wage war with God? For Joseph considered it necessary to receive, as a precious deposit, what had been divinely revealed to him.

But because they did not dare directly to attack God, they wrap themselves in clouds, so that, losing sight of God, they may vent their fury against their brother. If such blindness seized upon the patriarchs, what will become of the reprobates, whom stubborn malice drives on, so that they do not hesitate to resist God even to the last?

And we see that they willingly disturb and excite themselves as often as they are offended by the threats and punishments of God, and rise up against His ministers to take revenge. The same thing, indeed, would at times happen to us all, unless God should put His bridle on us to make us submissive.

Regarding Joseph, the special favor of God was shown to him, and he was raised to the highest dignity—but only in a dream, which was ridiculed by the wicked scorn of his brothers. To this was also added a conspiracy, so that he narrowly escaped death. Thus the promise of God, which had exalted him to honor, almost plunged him into the grave.

We also, who have received the free adoption of God amidst many sorrows, experience the same thing. For, from the time that Christ gathers us into His flock, God permits us to be cast down in various ways, so that we seem nearer hell than heaven.

Therefore, let the example of Joseph be fixed in our minds, so that we are not troubled when many trials arise for us from the root of God’s favor. For I have previously shown, and the matter itself clearly testifies, that in Joseph was foreshadowed what was afterwards more fully displayed in Christ, the Head of the Church, so that each member may pattern themselves after His example.