The men get up to leave and look down toward Sodom, and Abraham walks along with them to see them on their way. The hospitality extends to the departure — Abraham accompanies his guests, a common Near Eastern courtesy. The walking together to see them on their way creates the transitional space for what follows: the visitors' deliberation about Sodom, the consultation with Abraham, and the intercession of verses 23–32. The direction the visitors look — toward Sodom — signals the next episode. The city that has been looming in the background since Lot's choice in Genesis 13:10 is now the focus. The application: the hospitality that began with running to meet strangers ends with walking alongside them toward their destination. Full hospitality accompanies; it does not merely receive.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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