Genesis 24:33Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Observe the wisdom displayed by the servant. What does he declare? "I will refrain from eating until I have conveyed my purpose." He acknowledges that you have completed your tasks, but he insists that he will not consider his own comfort until he has provided you with the rationale for his long journey, the reasons for coming from Canaan, and how he arrived at your home—so that you may fully understand and demonstrate your loyalty to my master.

When he arrived at the residence, notice how he exercised even greater discernment. Though food was presented to him, he replied, "I will not eat until I have conveyed my purpose." Do you recognize the vigilance and self-control he exhibited?

Food was presented to him, but he refused to partake. Laban adhered to the tradition of hospitality, which dictated that one should not intrude upon a guest with questions or impose obligations upon him before he had been nourished and refreshed from his travels (1 Kings 9:19). However, the devoted and righteous servant of Abraham chose to set aside this custom in order to prioritize his responsibilities.