Charles Ellicott Commentary 2 Samuel 11:8

"And David said to Uriah, Go down to thy house, and wash thy feet. And Uriah departed out of the king`s house, and there followed him a mess [of food] from the king." — 2 Samuel 11:8 (ASV)

A mess of meat. —Literally, a present. The same word is used in Genesis 43:34, and no doubt refers to some choice dish sent by the king to the guest whom he wished to honour.