Genesis 43:3 Commentary and Bible Study

Judah now speaks for all and takes the lead. He has to speak plainly to his father. The sons have almost certainly raised this matter with Jacob before, and he has put off sending them back, aware of their conditions. He has acted to protect what remains of his family, but now he is going to be forced to concede. There are times when a son or daughter must admonish a father in some way, because the father is refusing to see sense, as in this practical matter; but Judah still does this with respect. He still acknowledges that Jacob is in charge of the household and that it is by his authority that the sons will be sent back to Egypt. Judah has been a dissolute man and Moses has already exposed his shame, and yet he is becoming something of a spokesman for all of them, and saying what is right.So Judah stands his ground with his father. They will not go down unless Benjamin goes with them. He has read the resolve in Joseph’s voice and knows there is no point in trying to get round him. He still remembers the deadly earnest with which Joseph had told them to bring Benjamin; he knows this governor is not a man to be trifled with. Not seeing Joseph’s face would mean that they would receive no more grain. You do not play games with a man like that. He will be as good as his word, and he will not have forgotten the condition he laid on them. It is a long and hazardous journey, and Judah will not make it for nothing. Judah repeats Joseph’s word to bring Jacob back to the point.