And there was set meat before him to eat: but he said, I will not eat, until I have told mine errand. And he said, Speak on.
There was set meat before him ... It seems from time immemorial to have been customary among men to feast together on the ratification of a compact or covenant; and it is well known that in the East, where primitive customs are stereotyped, that a bond of friendship is established between persons who have eaten together. If, therefore the repast was simply a refreshment for the weary travelers, the refusal of Abraham's messenger to partake of it until his business was transacted evinces his conscientious devotedness to his master's service. But if he were looking to the symbolical import of eating in the house of a host, he judged rightly in deeming it premature until the friendship had been cemented.