What does Genesis 43:10 mean?
This concludes Judah's appeal to Jacob to allow him to take Benjamin to Egypt to buy grain (Genesis 43:1–9). He has pledged his own life for Benjamin's safety. He knows that if they don't do as the Egyptian ruler said (Genesis 42:19–20) and bring Benjamin with them, they won't be able to buy grain. The family will starve.Now Judah expresses the urgency of the situation. Jacob's refusal to make the decision has cost them valuable time. They could have made the trip and returned twice over since the need to buy more food first became apparent. By now, food must be critically low. Jacob's fearfulness and outrageous favoritism has put the entire family at risk. Only when faced with such a dire situation will he finally give in (Genesis 43:11–14).
Genesis 43:1–15 describes how Jacob is forced to send his beloved son, Benjamin, to accompany his other sons to Egypt to buy more grain. If Benjamin doesn't go, they will not be allowed to purchase anything. This is by the order of the Egyptian governor, who the men do not realize is their long-lost brother, Joseph. Without grain, the family will starve. Jacob agrees, sending with his sons a gift for the man, along with double the amount of money needed to buy the grain. Finally, Jacob prays to God Almighty for his boys before allowing them to depart with his precious youngest son.
Jacob must send Benjamin with his brothers, back to Egypt, to buy more grain for the family. Without it, they will starve, but the Egyptian ruler will not sell them grain if they don't bring Benjamin as agreed. Speaking on behalf of his brothers, Judah finally convinces his father. Arriving in Egypt, they are honored as guests in Joseph's house. They present a gift to him—still not recognizing him as their estranged brother—and Joseph, after being overwhelmed with emotion, pays special attention to Benjamin.
