Genesis 18 must be read before understanding Sodom and Gomorrah.

Abraham, as the first act of the covenant, practices extravagant generosity to three strange travelers. Abraham and God argue out what should be done if there are 10 righteous men, a village tribunal, in Sodom.

Lot, who chose the prized land, does not have extravagant hospitality and, in fact, his village practices humiliation, dominance, and powerful violence toward the travelers.

We also explore how this text has been read throughout history to help us understand how it ought to be read today.