Genesis 43:16

the steward of his house See Genesis 43:19 and Genesis 44:1; Genesis 44:4. The steward of Joseph's house was the "major domo" of the establishment. Joseph himself had occupied that position. Cf. Genesis 39:5.

slay The slaying of animals indicated a banquet. It was a sign of special honour. Meat food was not usual for the Bedouin. But it was probably regularly eaten by kings and their officials, and by dwellers in towns in Egypt.

at noon Observe the hour for a banquet. In Palestine the chief meal was in the evening. Cf. Genesis 31:54; 1 Samuel 9:19.