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Genesis 18:16,22
And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way…

Genesis 32:26
And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.

and Abraham.

Genesis 31:55
And early in the morning Laban rose up, and kissed his sons and his daughters, and blessed them: and Laban departed, and returned unto his place.

He departed
The departure of the LORD signifies the end of the divine visitation. In the context ofGenesis 18, the LORD appeared to Abraham in the form of a man, accompanied by two angels. This theophany, or visible manifestation of God, is a rare and significant event in the Old Testament. The departure also foreshadows the impending judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah, as the LORD's presence moves from a place of dialogue to a place of action. This transition underscores the dual nature of God as both merciful and just.

and Abraham returned home
Abraham's return home signifies a return to normalcy after a profound spiritual encounter. It reflects the pattern of divine encounters in Scripture, where individuals often return to their daily lives transformed or with a renewed sense of purpose. Abraham's home, located in the region of Mamre near Hebron, is significant as a place of divine revelation and covenantal promises (Genesis 13:18). This phrase also emphasizes the faith and obedience of Abraham, who, after interceding for Sodom, trusts in God's righteous judgment and returns to his responsibilities.

“​When the LORD had finished speaking with Abraham…” (Genesis 18:33a)

• This signals the end of an intimate, face-to-face dialogue in which Abraham interceded for Sodom (Genesis 18:23-32).

• It shows that God sets the terms and duration of every conversation; when He has revealed all that is needed, He concludes it—similar toGenesis 17:22, where He “finished speaking” and “went up from” Abraham.

• The phrase underscores that God listens to and honors faithful intercession, yet retains final authority (Exodus 33:11;Jeremiah 1:9).

• By recording that the LORD “finished,” Scripture highlights the completeness of divine revelation for that moment—no unfinished business, no unanswered questions.

“…He departed…” (Genesis 18:33b)

• The LORD’s physical withdrawal marks the close of a theophany—God appearing in human form (Genesis 18:1).

• His departure immediately precedes judgment on Sodom (Genesis 19:1), reminding us that mercy and warning always come before wrath (2 Peter 3:9).

• Similar departures follow other divine encounters: the Angel of the Lord disappearing after speaking with Gideon (Judges 6:21) and Manoah (Judges 13:20).

• God’s leaving is never abandonment; rather, it is movement toward the next stage of His plan, just as Christ’s ascension preceded the sending of the Spirit (Acts 1:9-11).

“…and Abraham returned home.” (Genesis 18:33c)

• Abraham goes back to “his place,” likely his tent near the oaks of Mamre (Genesis 18:1), demonstrating obedience and trust after intercession.

• His return shows that extraordinary moments with God equip believers for ordinary life; we are to resume our responsibilities after prayer (Genesis 22:19).

• Abraham does not follow the LORD to see the outcome; he leaves the results with God, embodying faith (Psalm 37:5;Philippians 4:6-7).

• This quiet ending contrasts with the dramatic events about to unfold in Sodom, highlighting the peace that comes from communion with God (Isaiah 26:3).

Genesis 18:33 portrays the orderly close of divine-human dialogue: God speaks fully, departs purposefully, and Abraham returns peacefully. The verse reminds us that God’s revelations are complete, His plans continue even when unseen, and faithful people can walk away in confidence, leaving outcomes in His righteous hands.

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