John Calvin Commentary Genesis 50:16

"And they sent a message unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying," — Genesis 50:16 (ASV)

And they sent a messenger. Because they are ashamed themselves to speak, they engage messengers of peace, in whom Joseph might have greater confidence. But here we also perceive that those who have an accusing conscience are lacking counsel and reason. For if Jacob had been concerned about this point, why did he not bring about reconciliation between the son who was so obedient to himself, and his brothers?

Besides, for what reason should they attempt to do that through mediators, which they could do so much better personally? The Lord, therefore, allows them to act like children; that we, being instructed by their example, may expect no advantage from using frivolous inventions. But it may be asked, where the sons of Jacob found men to whom they could venture to commit such a message; for it was no small matter to make known their execrable crime to strangers? And it would have been folly to subject themselves to this infamy among the Egyptians. The most probable conjecture is that some domestic witnesses were chosen from the number of their own servants; for though Moses makes no mention of such when he relates that Jacob departed for Egypt, yet that some were brought with him may easily be gathered from certain considerations.