Genesis 43:1 - Meaning and Application

Jacob urged his sons to go back to Egypt and buy more grain, because the famine still had not ended, and the food they had brought home was gone, since earthly food does not last forever (Genesis 43:1, 2). As a good head of a family, Jacob wanted to provide what his household needed. In the same way, God will surely care for the children of faith. Jacob told them to go again and buy a little food, and in a time of scarcity, a little must be enough, because human needs are simple.

Judah then pressed Jacob to let Benjamin go with them, though Jacob deeply disliked the idea and had already decided against it. Children can still honor their parents while speaking respectfully, giving advice, and reasoning with them when needed, as the prophet Hosea says, “Plead with your mother” (Hosea 2:2). Judah argued that taking Benjamin was necessary, and he knew this better than Jacob, because he had seen what happened in Egypt.

Judah also promised to take full responsibility for Benjamin’s safety (Genesis 43:8, 9). His conscience had been troubled by what he had done long ago to Joseph, Jacob’s son, and this promise showed that his repentance was real (Genesis 42:21). He could not undo the harm done to Joseph, so he tried, as far as he could, to make amends by protecting Benjamin with great care.