John Calvin Commentary Genesis 45:1

"Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood before him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren." — Genesis 45:1 (ASV)

Then Joseph could not refrain himself. Moses relates in this chapter how Joseph made himself known to his brothers. First, he declares that Joseph had suppressed his feelings as long as he presented an austere and harsh appearance to them. At last, the strong brotherly affection, which he had suppressed while he was uttering severe threats, poured itself out with even greater force, from which it appears that nothing severe or cruel had previously been harbored in his mind.

And because it thus bursts forth in tears, this softness or tenderness is more deserving of praise than if he had maintained an even temper. Therefore, the Stoics speak foolishly when they say that it is a heroic virtue not to be touched with compassion. Had Joseph remained inflexible, who would not have pronounced him to be unfeeling or iron-hearted?

But now, by the intensity of his feelings, he manifests a noble magnanimity, as well as a divine moderation, because he was so superior to both anger and hatred that he ardently loved those who had wickedly conspired to bring about his ruin, even though they had received no injury from him.

He commands everyone to depart, not because he was ashamed of his family (for he does not afterwards conceal the fact that they were his brothers, and he freely permits the report of it to be carried to the king’s palace), but because he is considerate of their feelings, so that he might not make known their detestable crime to many witnesses.

And it was not the least part of his clemency to desire that their disgrace should be completely buried in oblivion. We see, therefore, that witnesses were removed for no other reason than that he might more freely comfort his brothers, for he not only spared them by not exposing their crime, but when shut up alone with them, he abstained from all bitterness of language and gladly offered them friendly consolation.