John Calvin Commentary Genesis 45:24

"So he sent his brethren away, and they departed: and he said unto them, See that ye fall not out by the way." — Genesis 45:24 (ASV)

See that ye fall not out by the way. Some explain the passage as meaning that Joseph asks his brothers to be of tranquil mind, and not to disturb themselves with needless fear; he rather exhorts them, however, to mutual peace. For, since the word רגז (ragaz) sometimes signifies to tremble or be afraid, and sometimes, to make a tumult, the latter sense is the more appropriate: for we know that the children of God are not only easily appeased, if any one has injured them, but that they also desire that others should live together in concord.

Joseph was pacified towards his brothers; but at the same time he admonishes them not to stir up any strife among themselves. For there was reason to fear that each, in attempting to excuse himself, would try to lay the blame on others, and thus contention would arise. We should imitate this kindness of Joseph, so that we may prevent, as much as possible, quarrels and strifes of words; for Christ requires of his disciples, not only that they should be lovers of peace, but also that they should be peace-makers.

Therefore, it is our duty to remove, in time, all matter and occasion of strife. Besides, we must know that what Joseph taught his brothers is the command of the Spirit of God to us all; namely, that we should not be angry with each other. And because it generally happens that, in faults common to different parties, one maliciously accuses another, let each of us learn to acknowledge and confess his own fault, so that altercations do not end in conflicts.