‘ And the old man said, “peace be to you. However, let all your wants lie on me. Only do not lodge in the square ”
“Peace be to you.” A regular polite greeting between two people, denoting acceptance, still regularly offered today (Genesis 43:23; Judges 6:23; 1 Samuel 25:6; Daniel 10:19).
“However, let all your wants lie on me. Only do not lodge in the square.” He offered the kind of hospitality that would be expected, except from the very poor who possibly would not be able to provide it. It was a matter of honour. ‘All your wants.' Food, shelter, provender for the asses, and washing for the feet, things which a traveller would need. The washing of the feet was in order to remove the sweat and dust of the journey. ‘Only do not lodge in the street.' It was not seemly that a traveller should be left in the street. And he probably feared what would happen to them if they did so. He no doubt knew his fellow-townsfolk and about their propensities.