The answer is: Judah

Gen 44:18-33

In Genesis 44, we witness a profoundly dramatic moment when Judah steps up for Benjamin, displaying loyalty and courage. This is the same Judah who once suggested selling Joseph into slavery—a far gasp removed from the man willing to take his brother’s place in captivity. This transformation highlights a theme of redemption that threads through the narratives of the Bible. Judah’s willingness to sacrifice himself is laden with the depth of familial love and demonstrates growth, not just his own, but in the brothers collectively as their bonds strengthen after the long saga of betrayal.

Interestingly, Judah's actions carry echoes elsewhere in the Bible. His offer can be seen as a foreshadowing of greater sacrifices and notions of redemption—think about how often the concept of ‘the innocent taking the place of the guilty’ plays out in later texts, most notably in the discussions surrounding atonement.

Moreover, it’s worth noting Judah’s role in history—his lineage eventually leads to David, and later to discussions surrounding the Messiah, which deepens the connection between this act of sacrifice and future expectations in biblical literature. As you reflect on this moment, consider how these threads of sacrifice and transformation resonate throughout the Scriptural narratives and illustrate a path of growth and reconciliation in relationships that can inspire those seeking personal change as well.