Genesis 18 recounts a profound encounter between Abraham and three angelic visitors who appeared to him as men. As the story unfolds, Abraham demonstrates his hospitality by inviting the visitors into his tent and preparing a lavish meal for them. During the meal, one of the visitors announces that Sarah, Abraham’s wife, will bear a son within a year, despite their old age. Sarah, who is listening from the tent, laughs at the seemingly impossible prediction.
Afterward, the visitors make their way toward the city of Sodom, and Abraham accompanies them. Sensing that God intends to bring judgment upon Sodom for its wickedness, Abraham intercedes on behalf of the righteous people in the city, bargaining with God to spare the city if a certain number of righteous individuals can be found within it. In a series of negotiations, Abraham pleads with God, asking Him to spare the city for the sake of even a small number of righteous people.
The chapter concludes with the visitors departing from Abraham, and God revealing His intentions to Abraham. The depth and significance of each verse in this remarkable chapter can be better understood by exploring the context and the nuances of the interactions between Abraham, the visitors, and God.