Genesis 24:32

32 So the man entered the house. Then Laban unbridled the camels, provided straw and feed for them and water to wash his feet and the feet of the men with him,

Genesis 24:32 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 24:32

And the man came into the house
Upon the pressing instance made unto him; for so it may be rendered, "wherefore the man came" ^F11 and he ungirded his camels;
took off their bridles, which hindered them from eating, as the Targum of Jonathan and Jarchi; or loosed their girts and took off their burdens, that they might have rest: this may be interpreted either of the servant and of his men by his order doing this, it being the first thing that travellers do when they come to an inn to take care of their cattle; or rather of Laban, as what follows must be interpreted of him: and gave straw and provender for the camels;
straw for their litter, and provender to eat; this Laban did, or ordered to be done: the Targum of Jonathan expresses his name, and no doubt he is intended, for who should give these but he? and water to wash his feet, and the men's feet that [were] with him:
which was usually done to strangers and travellers in those hot countries, see ( Genesis 18:4 ) . The Vulgate Latin version is, "and water to wash the feet of the camels"; which, though it is possible might be done, yet is without any foundation in the text.

---

FOOTNOTES:

F11 (abyw) "intravit itaque", Tigurine version, Piscator; "quare", Schmidt.

Genesis 24:32 In-Context

30 When he had seen the ring and the bracelets on his sister's arms, and when he had heard his sister Rebekah say, "This is what the man said to me," he went to the man, who was still standing by the spring with his camels.

31 Laban said, "Come in, favored one of the LORD! Why are you standing outside? I've prepared the house and a place for the camels."

32 So the man entered the house. Then Laban unbridled the camels, provided straw and feed for them and water to wash his feet and the feet of the men with him,

33 and set out a meal for him. But the man said, "I won't eat until I've said something." Laban replied, "Say it."

34 The man said, "I am Abraham's servant."