Then the men got up from their meal and looked out toward Sodom. As they left, Abraham went with them to send the on their way.
“Should I hid my plan from Abraham?” the Lord asked. For Abraham will certainly become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth will be blessed through him. I have singled him out so that he will direct his sons and their families to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just. Then I will do for Abraham what I have promised.”
So the Lord told Abraham, “I have heard a great outcry from Sodom and Gomorrah, because their sin is so flagrant. I am going down to see if their actions are as wicked as I have heard. If not I want to know.”
The other men turned and headed to Sodom, but the Lord remained with Abraham. Abraham approached Him and said, “Will you sweep away both the righteous with the wicked? Suppose you find fifty righteous people living there in the city-will you still sweep it way and not spare it for their sakes? Surely You wouldn’t do such a thing, destroying the righteous along with the wicked. Why You would be treating the righteous and the wicked exactly the same! Surely You wouldn’t do that! Should not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?”
And the Lord replied, “If I find fifty righteous people in Sodom, I will spare the entire city for their sake.” (vv. 16-26, NLT)
Finally Abraham said, “Lord, please don’t be angry with me if I speak one more time. Suppose only ten are found there?”
And the Lord replied, “Then I will not destroy if for the sake of the ten.”
When the Lord had finished his conversation with Abraham, He went on His way, and Abraham returned to his tent.” (vv. 32-33, NLT)