Have you ever been in a situation where someone really hurt you and every other person has apologised except that person, and you never got closure because the culprit has refused to take responsibility? Well, we’re seeing something similar here. Judah sold Joseph into captivity. It was his idea, and today, they were having a second face off.
Forgiveness is a journey, and Joseph honestly only wanted to have his brother back, but it was practically impossible to pry him off the forces holding him back, forces spearheaded by Judah. When nothing worked, it was Judah who took responsibility for Benjamin. He was the one who convinced their father both to save their family from starvation and to keep little Ben safe. However, in a mean play of power, Joseph won his brother back.
Judah eventually sprung back to action, ie a one-to-one with Joseph. And in Genesis 44:18-33, in a very emotive monologue, Judah spoke on behalf of everyone as he personally apologised to Joseph.
It hits very differently when the person who hurts you the most decides to take responsibility, in addition to taking specific steps towards redemption, restitution and reconciliation.
By the time Judah was done talking to Joseph, the tough dude in Joseph broke. He yelled at all his aides to get out, and as he revealed himself to his brothers, he cried so loudly that everyone heard him. In fact, the rumour quickly got to Pharaoh’s household.
But that was not where the story ended.
REAL BIBLE PEOPLE 