The two angels also first appeared to Abraham as men (18:2).
Lot was no longer living in tents near Sodom (13:12). He had become a citizen and leader in Sodom, sitting at the city entrance. Community leaders (elders) usually gathered at the gates. This is where they publicly finalized legal and business matters (compare 23:18; Job 29:7, 12–17).
As a righteous man, Lot tried to guide the people of Sodom to live better lives (2 Peter 2:7–8; compare Genesis 19:9). While he opposed their evil behavior, Lot still chose Sodom’s wealthy lifestyle over the simpler life in the hills (compare 13:10–11). Life in the hills offered fewer temptations and less corruption but lacked the comforts of Sodom.
As long as the Lord left Lot and his family alone in Sodom, he lived comfortably and kept his belief in God. But, he could not continue living this way. Sodom would have destroyed Lot if the Lord had not destroyed Sodom.
This story showed Israel that God is the righteous judge of the whole earth (18:25). He punishes evil fairly. In evil societies, wrongdoing leads to unfair treatment and suffering for others.