John Calvin Commentary Genesis 43:3

"And Judah spake unto him, saying, The man did solemnly protest unto us, saying, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you." — Genesis 43:3 (ASV)

And Judah spake unto him, saying. Judah seems to pretend something, for the purpose of extracting from his father what he knew he would not grant freely; but it is probable that many discussions had been held on both sides, which Moses, as was his custom, has not related.

And since Joseph so eagerly desired to see his brother Benjamin, it is not surprising that he should have strived in every possible way to bring it about. It may also have happened that he had arranged for some notification or legal summons to be delivered, by which his brother was summoned to appear, as in legal cases.

However, it is worth noting that Moses relates the long dispute Jacob had with his sons, so that we may understand with what difficulty he allowed his son Benjamin to be taken from him. For, although hunger was severe, he nevertheless insisted on keeping him, just as if he were striving for the preservation of his whole family.

From this, we can also infer that he suspected his sons of a wicked conspiracy; and for this reason, Judah offers himself as a guarantor. For Judah does not promise anything about the outcome, but only, to clear himself and his brothers, he takes Benjamin under his protection, on the condition that if any harm came to Benjamin, he himself would bear the punishment and the blame.

From Jacob's example, let us learn patient endurance, if the Lord often compels us, through the pressure of circumstances, to do many things contrary to our own inclinations. For Jacob sends his son away, as if he were handing him over to death.