John Calvin Commentary Genesis 44:17

"And he said, Far be it from me that I should do so: the man in whose hand the cup is found, he shall be my bondman; but as for you, get you up in peace unto your father." — Genesis 44:17 (ASV)

God forbid that I should do so. If Joseph intended to retain Benjamin alone and to dismiss the others, he would have done his utmost to rend the Church of God by the worst possible dissension.

But I have previously shown (what may also be elicited from the context) that his design was nothing else than to pierce their hearts more deeply.

He must have anticipated great harm if he had perceived that they did not care for their brother; but the Lord provided against this danger by causing the earnest plea of Judah not only to soften his mind but even to draw forth tears and weeping in profusion.