And G-d departed as soon as He had finished speaking with Abraham; and Abraham returned to his place (Gen. 18:33)
Even after Abraham was told that there were not even ten righteous people in Sodom in whose merit the city would be spared, he “returned to his place,” and continued to search for people whose deeds might qualify them as such. One must therefore never cease to look for good in one’s fellow man. (Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev)
“G-d, Himself, will provide the lamb for a burnt offering, my son” (Gen. 22:8)
Rashi explains that Isaac also knew that he was going to be sacrificed. Nonetheless, “they went both of them together,” with equal resolve and with one heart. Isaac’s willingness to be sacrificed did not detract from Abraham’s trial. On the contrary, it made it that much more difficult for Abraham to consider sacrificing such a righteous son. (Chidushei Harim)
“Stay the night, and wash your feet” (Gen. 19:2)
Abraham first instructed his guests to wash their feet before extending his invitation to enter, fearing that perhaps they were among those Arab nomads who worshipped the dust of the earth as a deity. Lot, however, seeing that his guests had come directly from Abraham’s house, reasoned that anyone leaving Abraham’s presence could not possibly be an idol-worshipper. (Chatam Sofer)
