שופטים, פרק י״ט, פסוק כ״א

Arriving at a place of rest after a long journey requires a transition from the weariness of the road to the comfort of a home. True hospitality addresses these immediate physical needs, creating an environment where travelers can finally relax.

The host begins by taking care of the pack animals, preparing and providing food for the donkeys [מצודת דוד]. The primary approach among commentators is that this involved a specific process of mixing. In ancient times, standard animal fodder was made by blending grain, such as barley or oats, together with straw. Because this mixture was so common, the very act of feeding the animals was described as mixing their feed [רד״ק, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Another approach suggests that the host simply supplied the donkeys with a fresh crop of harvested grain to eat [רש״י, אברבנאל].

Only after the animals are properly tended to do the guests care for their own needs. They wash their feet and finally sit down to eat and drink in peace [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This scene of hospitality also offers practical advice for anyone on a journey. A traveler should always carry their own provisions of food and drink rather than depending completely on the supplies of whoever might host them for the night. This principle is evident in the guest's earlier readiness, having brought his own bread and wine for the trip [אברבנאל].