Genesis 19:1

the two angels See Genesis 18:22. It has been conjectured that the original text had here, as in Genesis 19:5; Genesis 19:8; Genesis 19:10; Genesis 19:12, "the men" (i.e. the "three men" of Genesis 18:2); and that the substitution of the words "the two angels" has been made from motives of reverence, in order (1) to harmonize the action of this chapter with the scene of Abraham's pleading with Jehovah in chap. 18, and (2) to separate Jehovah from contact with the evil of Sodom.

at even They had visited Abraham at noon: see Genesis 18:1.

in the gate of Sodom The wide arches of ancient Oriental city gates, contained recesses which were the resort of leading citizens; and in which business was transacted, bargains made, and justice administered, cf. Genesis 23:10; Genesis 23:18; Genesis 34:20; Deuteronomy 21:19; Ruth 4:1.

bowed himself See Genesis 18:2.