Genesis 18:4

wash your feet Abraham's offer of hospitable welcome is said to be a faithful representation of the reception of a traveller by an Eastern sheikh. Here we have its various aspects of (1) the courteous greeting; (2) the feet washing; (3) the repast and personal attendance by the host; (4) the escort on the road at departure.

The washing of the feet is necessary for comfort as well as cleanliness in the East where sandals are worn. Cf. Genesis 19:2; Genesis 24:32; Genesis 43:24; Luke 7:44; John 13:14.

rest yourselves under the tree Abraham invites them to recline in the shade, while the meal is made ready. It does not necessarily indicate the posture at the meal. Judging from 1Sa 9:22; 1 Samuel 20:5; 1 Kings 13:20, a sitting posture was usual among the Israelites. Probably we should understand that, in this scene, as in Genesis 27:19; Judges 19:6, those who ate were seated on the ground, the food being placed in front of them.