John Calvin Commentary Genesis 43:25

"And they made ready the present against Joseph`s coming at noon: for they heard that they should eat bread there." — Genesis 43:25 (ASV)

Against Joseph came at noon-day. It is doubtful whether this was the ordinary hour of dining among the Egyptians, or whether Joseph, on that day, sat down earlier than he was accustomed to do on account of his guests. It is, however, most likely that the usual custom of dining was observed.

Although, among the people of the East, there might be a different manner of living, dinners were in use not only among the Egyptians, but also in Judea, and in other neighboring regions. Yet it is probable that this meal also served them in place of a supper, both because they would sit long at the table and because our quick method of eating would not have been tolerable to people in those hot climates—especially when they received guests with greater luxury than usual, as will soon appear was the case at this time.

The washing of the feet (as we have seen before) was a part of hospitality and intended to relieve weariness, because in those regions the feet could easily become inflamed whenever they journeyed on foot.

It was also more honorable, according to ancient custom, for a portion of food to be sent to each person from Joseph, rather than for it to be distributed by the cook.

But because these things are trivial and not conducive to piety, I only touch upon them slightly; I would even omit them entirely, except that removing a scruple from the minds of the inexperienced is sometimes useful, provided it is done sparingly and with brevity.