So the men turned from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the LORD.
22. But Abraham stood yet before the Lord . Moses first declares that the men proceeded onwards, conveying the impression, that having finished their discourse, they took leave of Abraham, in order that he might return home. He then adds, that Abraham stood before the Lord, as persons are wont to do, who, though dismissed, do not immediately depart, because something still remains to be said or done.
The messengers from heaven had now despatched one part of their business, which was an errand of grace to Abraham and Sarah, and which they delivered first; but now they have before them work of another nature. Sodom is to be destroyed, and they must do it, Gen 19:13. Note, As with the Lord there is mercy, so he is the God to whom vengeance belongs.
Commenting on Genesis 18:16-22
And the men turned their faces from thence,.... From the place to which Abraham brought them on; these were only two of them, for the third continued with Abraham: and went towards Sodom; and are the two angels said to come thither at evening, Gen 19:1, but Abraham stood yet before the Lord; before the third person, whom Abraham now began to know more clearly...