The answer is: Benjamin

Genesis 42:4 - Jacob withheld Benjamin from the journey to protect him, fearing he could lose another son after Joseph's presumed death. This decision underscores the deep bond between Jacob and his youngest son. Interestingly, this family dynamic mirrors God's relationship with His own beloved Son.

Jacob’s protective instincts shine brightly in his decision not to send Benjamin to Egypt. As the youngest child and the only remaining son of his beloved Rachel, Benjamin held a special place in Jacob's heart. This unseen bond catches our attention, especially considering Jacob’s prior heartache over Joseph, whom he believed was lost. In biblical narratives, such powerful family ties echo across many stories, where striving to protect loved ones comes head-to-head with the realities of survival.

Curiously, this episode highlights the sacredness attached to the idea of ‘the beloved son’ throughout the Scriptures. The theme isn’t limited to Jacob and Joseph—thinking beyond to the New Testament, we find it resonating in the story of Jesus, who is often referred to as the beloved Son of God. This gentle juxtaposition reinforces the weight carried by such titles while scrutinizing how these father-son relationships shaped significant events.

Moreover, it’s interesting that the act of not sending Benjamin also unveils a strategic side to Jacob’s narrative. By holding Benjamin close, Jacob cultivates hope—not just for the family’s survival but for the potential reunification with Joseph. Here is a moment of tension that symbolizes many Biblical themes: wisdom covers hesitation, love guards vulnerability, and family loyalty becomes a source of both fear and strength. Just as weathering a famine demanded unity among brothers, traversing trials serves to bind us closer in our journeys—perhaps even between generations.