Of what does Judah's entreaty largely consist? Of a recital of the governor's orders and of Jacob's attachment to Benjamin, the son in whom all the thoughts, hopes, and desires of his old age are centred.
Upon what does Judah lay the greatest emphasis? Upon the effect that Benjamin's detention will have upon his father. Evidently the brothers are very anxious to spare their father any unnecessary grief and pain.
For what purpose is the whole speech specially adapted? To stir the emotions. It is suited to appeal to the feelings of anybody, but, particularly, to the feelings of Egypt's governor, though his identity is still unknown.
Which are the most pathetic sentences? The two beginning with, "And we said unto my lord, We have a father, an old man", and "Now, therefore, when I come to thy servant, my father, and the lad be not with us".
What features of the speech would make the strongest appeal to Joseph? The reference to his father's old age and his attachment to Benjamin; his belief in Joseph's untimely end; the blow that separation from Benjamin would involve; Judah's willingness to sacrifice himself.
What light does the speech throw upon Judah's character? It shows a capacity for intense feeling, a deep devotion to his father, and a spirit of self-sacrifice. It might indicate also a shrewd knowledge of human nature, for he apparently knows how to present the case in the most effective manner.
What is the meaning of "thou art even as Pharaoh"? Thou art as mighty as the king of Egypt.
Explain "thy servant became surety for the lad unto my father". Judah had given Jacob a guarantee that Benjamin should return safely.
Select any figurative expression and give its meaning. "Thy servants shall bring down the gray hairs of thy servant our father with sorrow to the grave." The blow which separation from Benjamin would involve will cause the aged father to die of a broken heart.
What are the main characteristics of the supplication? The language is simple and direct, the feeling is of the loftiest character, and the whole speech is highly eloquent. If the test of true eloquence is the intensity of the appeal it makes to worthy emotions, this passage may well be regarded as one of the most eloquent in all literature.