Genesis 43:3
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But Judah replied, “The man solemnly warned us, ‘You will not see my face again unless your brother is with you.’
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Judah then declared, that they would not go there again unless their father sent Benjamin with them; for the man (Joseph) had solemnly protested (העד העד) that they should not see his face without their youngest brother. Judah undertook the consultation with his father about Benjamin's going, because Reuben, the eldest son, had already been refused, and Levi, who followed Reuben and Simeon, had forfeited his father's confidence through his treachery to the Shechemites (Gen 34).
Open source ↗Here the story of Joseph's brethren is carried on, and very particularly related I. Their melancholy parting with their father Jacob in Canaan (Gen 43:1-14). II. Their pleasant meeting with Joseph in Egypt (Gen 43:15, etc.). For on this occasion nothing occurs there but what is agreeable and pleasant.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
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But you said to your servants, ‘Unless your younger brother comes down with you, you will not see my face again.’
But if you will not send him, we will not go; for the man told us, ‘You will not see my face again unless your brother is with you.’”
Now I know that none of you among whom I have preached the kingdom will see my face again.
“Look,” said Absalom, “I sent for you and said, ‘Come here. I want to send you to the king to ask: Why have I come back from Geshur? It would be better for me if I were still there.’ So now, let me see the king’s face, and if there is iniquity in me, let him kill me.”
They were especially grieved by his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.
Now Absalom lived in Jerusalem two years without seeing the face of the king.
“Good,” replied David, “I will make a covenant with you. But there is one thing I require of you: Do not appear before me unless you bring Saul’s daughter Michal when you come to see me.”
I have indeed seen the oppression of My people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to deliver them. Now come, I will send you back to Egypt.’
But the king added, “He may return to his house, but he must not see my face.” So Absalom returned to his own house, but he did not see the king.