‘And he said, “Come in, you blessed of Yahweh, why do you stand outside? I have prepared the house and room for the camels.”
Laban greets him on his own terms making clear that he is aware of all that has been said, and invites him to accept the hospitality of his family. He is making clear that they are responsive to his approach.
“You blessed of Yahweh.' With typical Near Eastern hospitality he refers to the man's description of himself as one who is on a mission for Yahweh. This does not mean that Laban is a worshipper of Yahweh. But he no doubt recognises the name of Abraham's God.
‘And the man came into the house and he unloaded the camels, removing their trappings, and he provided straw and provender for the camels and water for the man to wash his feet, and the men's feet who were with him. And food was set before him to eat.'
The ‘he' is Laban, but the work would mainly be done by servants under his supervision. Full hospitality is provided. First the valuable camels must be seen to. This would be the visitor's first requisite. Then he is provided with water with which to wash his feet, a prime requirement in a hot and dusty country, especially as the man was probably wearing sandals.
While it would have been assumed by everybody, this is the first mention of men accompanying the steward. This again brings out the importance of the camels and their significance, which have been constantly mentioned. (It also warns against reading into silences in ancient narratives).
Then once the necessary preliminaries have been complied with, and the men have been made comfortable, a meal is set before them. But notice how the attention is drawn specifically to the welcome given to the man himself. ‘He' came into the house. A meal is set before ‘him'. His acceptance is being stressed. Up to this point nothing has been said about the man's purpose in being here although there would no doubt be great anticipation. With true Near Eastern courtesy that would await his being well fed.
‘But he said, “I will not eat until I have told you my errand.” And he said, “Speak on”.'
It would be normal for a visitor to eat first and then for his purpose in visiting to be introduced into the conversation. Thus these words would be attention catching. They suggest also that the man feels that he has a sacred duty to Yahweh not to eat until his side in the mission is completed. His hearers would no doubt read into them the sacredness of his mission. They are already aware that he feels he is on a mission for Yahweh.
The steward now lays out the terms and details of his commission, making clear in the meanwhile the splendid prospects of the intended bridegroom. The speech is long and flowery outlining the details of the mission in full. This would be in accordance with expectations. Such a speech revealed that the steward was cultivated and well taught, and would enhance his master's reputation. It was also designed to impress and to make his hearers aware that this was no ordinary matter and no ordinary marriage request. This was at the instigation of Yahweh.