Genesis 43:24 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

And the man brought the men into Joseph's house, and gave them water, and they washed their feet; and he gave their asses provender. Brought the men into Joseph's house, etc. - This is exactly the way in which a Hindoo receives a guest. As soon as he enters, one of the civilities is the presenting of water to wash his feet. So indispensable is this, that water to wash the feet makes a part of the offering to an image.