The Jew is the "head of the household" of the world

Yehudah thought that he was dependent upon the approval of a non-Jewish ruler in order to help Benyamin. This is similar to the status of the entire Jewish people in exile, when we depend on the kindness of the non-Jewish nations around us in order to lead our lives as Jews in peace and comfort.

The reality of the situation, though, was that Yehudah was really not dependent on a non-Jew at all. This ruler, as he found out later, was really Yosef, and therefore a Jew was really in charge. The same applies to the Jewish people in exile. Although it appears that the non-Jewish nations are in control, in reality the Jew is the one who is the "head of the household" over the world, and he has the ability to influence the nations to carry out his will.

How does the Jew acquire such an amazing power? This is because he has attached himself to G-d. His strength is therefore not his alone, but that of G-d Himself. And G-d, who is the "King of all kings," guides the nations of the world to act according to His will and the will of the Jewish people.

Sicha of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Shabbos Parshas Vayigash, 5th Day of Teves, 5751