Genesis 44:14-17

Judah acted as spokesman because he had promised Jacob that he would take responsibility for Benjamin’s safety (Genesis 44:16; cf. Genesis 43:8-9). Judah regarded this turn of events as divine condemnation for the brothers’ treatment of Joseph and Jacob years earlier. [Note: See D. Daube, Studies in Biblical Law, pp. 248-55; and Sternberg, p. 306.] Really it was divine discipline that God designed to produce repentance. Judah did not try to get rid of the privileged son this time. Instead he volunteered to share his fate at great personal sacrifice.

Joseph allowed Judah and the other brothers to depart and return home without Benjamin (Genesis 44:17). However Judah’s refusal to do so demonstrated the sincerity of the brothers’ repentance.