בראשית, פרק מ״ג, פסוק י׳

The passing of time and the hesitation to send the youngest brother took a heavy toll on the family, both emotionally and practically. Judah confronts his father with a painful reality: their prolonged waiting only extended their suffering and hunger, whereas quick action could have resolved the crisis much earlier.

The delay they experienced was not a voluntary pause, but rather a forced standstill. It felt like a tightening knot that bound them, leaving them in a state of helpless indecision, unsure of which way to turn [רש״ר הירש, ביאור יש״ר]. The primary approach among commentators is that the responsibility for this delay rested squarely on Jacob, as his refusal to let Benjamin go prevented the journey [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. However, the brothers' behavior reveals the deep respect they held for their father. Rather than speaking harshly or pressuring him, they chose to endure hardship and ration their food. They waited patiently until Jacob recognized the harsh reality and agreed on his own [רבנו בחיי, רבינו חננאל].

Once convinced, Jacob did not merely grant permission. He equipped his sons with a comprehensive five-step plan. He instructed them to bring a gift, take double the necessary money, and return the funds previously found in their sacks to avoid any desecration of God's name, assuming the money was left there by mistake. Furthermore, they were to take Benjamin and, lastly, pray to God Almighty for mercy [רבנו בחיי, רבינו חננאל].

Judah points out that if they had not been held back, they could have already completed two journeys. This claim carries two significant implications. Emotionally, the brothers could have proven their innocence and brought Simeon home long ago. This swift action would have spared Jacob the prolonged sadness and pain he endured while his son remained imprisoned [רש״י, מזרחי, גור אריה, שפתי חכמים]. Judah was confident in this outcome and willing to take full responsibility, believing that the Egyptian ruler feared God and would not harm them once the truth was revealed [ספורנו]. From a practical and economic standpoint, there was a steep cost to their hesitation. Had they acted quickly, they could have traveled back and forth twice while grain in Egypt was still abundant, securing food before the worsening famine caused prices to surge [בכור שור].