Charles Ellicott Commentary Genesis 24:33

"And there was set food before him to eat. But he said, I will not eat, until I have told mine errand. And he said, Speak on." — Genesis 24:33 (ASV)

I will not eat, until I have told my errand. —Two points in Eastern customs are highlighted here: the first, that hospitality, so necessary in a country where there are no inns, was, and still is, a religion to the Bedouin; the second, that consequently he will concede anything rather than have his hospitality refused. Aware of this feeling, Abraham’s servant will not partake of Laban’s bread and salt until he has told his request. After he had become Laban’s guest, Laban would have been free to do as he liked; but he must now grant what is asked, or the stranger would decline to enter his dwelling.

Mr. Fraser (Historical Description of AfghanistanGenesis 11:0 p. 424: Edinburgh, 1834) and Ferrier (L’Afghanistan,Genesis 11:0, p. 119: ed. 1842) mention a remarkable custom connected with Afghan hospitality which admirably illustrates the behaviour of Abraham’s servant. It is called menawâti, from two words meaning I am come in. Anyone who has a favour to ask goes to the tent or house of the person from whom he expects it, but refuses to sit on his carpet or partake of his food until he has granted the required request. And custom makes it a point of honour to concede it, if it is in the power of the person thus appealed to.