Following the visit by the three men to Abraham to herald the news of the birth of a child, the Torah tells us that the “two men arrived in Sodom” (Genesis 19:1). The Alshekk asks the following questions: 1) Why were the same people called anashim, men, when they came to Abraham, whereas here they are referred to as malachim, angels? If they changed appearance, how could they EAT at Lot’s home? 2) Lot’s courage in even inviting them via a detour is remarkable. He must have been aware that he risked his life! 3) Why did Lot suggest that they wash AFTER an overnight stay, instead of before, as Abraham had done?
God offered Lot a chance to save his life by performing the mitzvah of hospitality. He realized that if the angels would appear human, Lot would be too scared to offer them shelter. Therefore, they appeared as angels, visible only to Lot, not to his companions. For that reason, the Torah stresses LOT SAW, i.e. no one else saw. Beresihit Rabbah 45 stated that Abraham’s entire household had been familiar with the appearance of angels, Hagar included. Lot debated with himself saying that if he spoke to them publicly, everyone would notice that he was communicating with SOMEONE, and he would arouse suspicion. Therefore, he arose, and ran toward them far enough so that his words could not be overheard. Then he bowed down and invited them in. He implored them saying hineh, here I am, aware that you are spiritual beings, but to enable me to entertain you, please assume human form. Lot states sooroo na, please depart from your customary guise. In the morning, you may wash and assume your normal guise and look like spiritual beings, all of this, so that the people of Sodom will not know that I have performed a deed of loving-kindness.
In connection to the ‘guests’, why did the Sodomites surround Lot’s house instead of entering it immediately? Why did they want LOT HIMSELF to bring his guests outside? The Sodomites HEARD voices inside Lot’s house, but did not see anyone except Lot. The door was still open, since we read only later (v.7) that Lot closed the door behind him. Since Lot had kept the door open, there was no need for an attempt to break in. They did not expect any opposition to their request to meet the owners of these voices. They reason they asked ayah ha-anashim, where are the people, reflected their amazement that they could not see the men. They indicated that Lot had nothing to fear, since these men have come to you, i.e. from their own accord, you have obviously NOT invited them. This alone would have been a breach of a city ordinance.
The angels tell Lot that they must get ready to depart as, “we are about to destroy this place” (v.13). The Or Hachayyim explains that although one of the angels had been entrusted with the task of destroying, the angels used the plural seeing that they were both together. Otherwise, the other angel would have appeared as if he was only an assistant. Possibly, whenever the Torah speaks of the avenging angel Gabriel, it is understood that the reference is not only to him personally, but includes his army. Alternatively, since Gabriel was not free to act until the angel Raphael had secured Lot’s escape, their activities were dependent on one another.
