87. Position of Guests at Table

From: Manners and Customs of the Bible By: James M. Freeman

Genesis 43:33 • 1 min. read • grade level: 8

Genesis 43:33³³And they sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his youth: and the men marvelled one at another. (Genesis 43:33). They sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his youth.

The Egyptians sat at their meals; reclining was a Persian custom brought in at a later age. See note on Matthew 26:7⁷There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat. (Matthew 26:7) (#712). They used chairs of various kinds, and stools, and sometimes sat on the floor with the left leg drawn under them and the right foot planted on the floor, thus elevating the right knee.

The guests were placed according to the rank they occupied. This does not imply the use of long tables, since even at the present day there are posts of honor at the round tables of the modern Egyptians.

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