Genesis 43:8-14 ▼

8 Then Judah said to his father Israel, |Send the boy with me and we will go immediately. Then we will live and not die--we and you and our little ones.

9 I myself pledge security for him; you may hold me liable. If I do not bring him back to you and place him here before you, I will bear the blame before you all my life.

10 But if we had not delayed, we could have traveled there and back twice by now!|

11 Then their father Israel said to them, |If it must be so, then do this: Take some of the best products of the land in your bags, and take a gift down to the man--a little balm and a little honey, spices and myrrh, pistachios and almonds.

12 Take double the money with you; you must take back the money that was returned in the mouths of your sacks--perhaps it was an oversight.

13 Take your brother too, and go right away to the man.

14 May the sovereign God grant you mercy before the man so that he may release your other brother and Benjamin! As for me, if I lose my children I lose them.|