From Forward Day by Day
Genesis 43:9 If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever.
Jacob repeatedly indicates to his older children the vast extent to which he prefers their younger brothers, the children of Rachel. He allows Simeon to languish in prison rather than even consider allowing Benjamin to accompany his brothers to Egypt. Only the prospect of the family’s imminent starvation moves Jacob to change his mind.
When Judah takes responsibility for Benjamin’s safety, his words and tone indicate his acceptance of a situation that he can’t change. The urgency with which the brothers later petition for the life of Benjamin on behalf of their father indicate their continued love and compassion for Jacob. Accepting Jacob’s parental foibles as they had not done before, they forgive him and protect Benjamin for him, a pivotal decision that changes everything.
With a few variations, this story of favoritism and family drama could be told today. The pain and reward of loving family, and the difficulty of forgiving wrongs done over the years, remain as relevant now, thousands of years later, as when the story was first told.
