Genesis 18:16
“The men rose up from there, and looked toward Sodom. Abraham went with them to see them on their way.”
What does Genesis 18:16 mean?
Abraham had just finished a meal with three mysterious visitors, and now they're preparing to leave his home. As they stand and gaze toward Sodom in the distance, Abraham walks alongside them as a gesture of hospitality and respect, accompanying them down the road. This simple act of walking someone to the point of departure was a customary sign of honor and care in ancient Near Eastern culture. What matters here is that Abraham's attentiveness sets up the conversation that's about to happen, where these visitors will reveal they're heading to Sodom to investigate its wickedness, and Abraham will learn something profound about God's justice and his own role as an intercessor.