A frequent misinterpretation of this verse is to view all three visitors as indistinguishable angels, suggesting God physically departs from Abraham entirely, which diminishes the theophanic presence of the LORD who lingers specifically with Abraham; this overlooks the passage's emphasis on divine-human communion and misreads the selective departure as abandonment rather than a purposeful distinction underscoring Abraham's favored status for intercession.
Genesis 18:22
King James Version (1769)
22 And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the Lord.
Genesis 18:22 illustrates Abraham's unique and intimate relationship with God, as two of the divine visitors depart for Sodom while the LORD remains behind with Abraham, setting the stage for Abraham's bold intercession for the city; this highlights God's accessibility to the faithful, His willingness to hear prayers, and Abraham's role as a prophet who stands in God's presence to plead for mercy on behalf of the righteous within the wicked.