Genesis 18:16

The men rose up. Rested and refreshed, the three heavenly visitants were ready to continue their journey. Their destination is now mentioned for the first time. If Sodom and its sister cities were in the valley that now forms the southern part of the Dead Sea (see on ch. 14:3), they were about 25 mi. from Hebron — a good day’s journey. Inasmuch as Abraham’s guests had arrived at noon, and no doubt spent several hours with him, their departure probably took place in the late afternoon.

Abraham went with them. In accordance with an old custom of friendship continued throughout NT times (Rom. 15:24; 1 Cor. 16:11; Acts 20:38; 3 John 6), Abraham accompanied his guests for a short distance. In Oriental lands it is still customary upon the departure of guests to escort them on their way, the distance indicating the degree of respect and honor the host wishes to show them. An old tradition claims that Abraham went as far as Caphar-Barucha, a mountain spot approximately 4 or 5 mi. by road east-northeast of Hebron, whence one may see the Dead Sea. From this point, perhaps, Abraham and his guests beheld the prosperous cities of the plain.