February 4, 2026

imagine being Reuben's poor sons

after hearing your father say

"Dad, if I don't bring Benjamin back,

you can kill two of my boys."

and wondering: "What!?!"

and soon after: "Who, me?"

or Jacob, on hearing this

what could he have thought

offered to trade his lost son

for two dead grandsons

Reuben couldn't even protect Joseph

and now he promises Benjamin?

how much more pleasant Judah's mercy

"Dad, if I don't bring Benjamin back,

I will bear the blame before you forever."

(Reuben's sons must have breathed again)

placing himself the one to carry fault

and saving many lives in the doing