For your servant became a pledge of safety for the boy to my father, saying, ‘If I do not bring him back to you, then I shall bear the blame before my father all my life.’
We have here a most ingenious and pathetic speech which Judah made to Joseph on Benjamin's behalf, to obtain his discharge from the sentence passed upon him. Perhaps Judah was a better friend to Benjamin than the rest were, and more solicitous to bring him off; or he thought himself under greater obligations to attempt it than the rest, because he had passed his word...
Commenting on Genesis 44:18-34
For thy servant became surety for the lad unto my father,.... Which is another argument used for the release of Benjamin, though he should be detained for him, which he offers to be: saying, if I bring him not unto thee, then I shall bear the blame unto my father for ever; See Gill on Gen 43:9.
Gen 44:30-32 “His soul is bound to his soul:” equivalent to, “he clings to him with all his soul.”
Commenting on Genesis 44:30-32