Rabbi Ḥiyya bar Abba said: In all the matters that you read that Judah spoke to Joseph in the presence of his brothers until you reach: “Joseph could not restrain himself,” there is conciliation for Joseph, conciliation for his brothers and conciliation for Benjamin. Conciliation for Joseph, saying: See how he is giving his life for the sake of Rachel’s sons.29Joseph saw how Judah was willing to give his life for Benjamin, whereas earlier he had been one of the initiators when the brothers sold him.
This showed that Judah had repented. Conciliation for his brothers, saying: See how he is giving his life for his brother’s sake.30Thus, Judah was reconciled with his brothers, who had demoted him from his position of leadership after the sale of Joseph (Etz Yosef; see Bereshit Rabba 42:3). Conciliation for Benjamin, he said to him: ‘Just as I am giving my life for your sake, so I am willing to give my life for your brother’s sake.’31Benjamin had suspected his brothers in the disappearance of Joseph, but was conciliated through this process.
“Joseph could not restrain himself…” – Rabbi Ḥama bar Ḥanina said: Joseph did not act properly,32It was unwise for him to be alone with his brothers. as had one of them kicked him, he would have immediately died. Rabbi Shmuel bar Naḥman said: He acted appropriately and properly. He was aware of his brothers’ righteousness. He said: ‘God forbid, my brothers are not suspected of bloodshed.’