‘And the men turned from that place and went towards Sodom, but Abraham yet stood before Yahweh.'
The repetition of their advance on Sodom (compare Genesis 18:16), now more specific, represents their inexorable approach to its judgment. It is intended to intensify the drama.
It is a sign of Abraham's worth that he is concerned for his neighbours, and willing even to risk the displeasure of Yahweh in order to help them. Even while they go towards Sodom, Abraham pleads for Sodom as he stands on the mountainside looking down on the cities of the Plain before him (Genesis 19:27-28). For as he looks down on the doomed cities, how can he fail to be stirred?