Long ago in the days that Abraham and Lot lived in the land of Canaan, water wells were very important. Usually, in the land of Canaan, it only rains about half as much as it rains in the United States. So the people had to dig wells down in the earth to find enough water for their flocks (or animals).
Abraham and Lot both were very rich and had flocks. Abraham's and Lot's servants were kept very busy looking for new wells to get enough water for their cattle. These wells often caused trouble between the servants. So Abraham told Lot that it would be better if they moved to separate parts of the land so that their servants would not get at each other because of digging the wells. Abraham told Lot that he (Lot) could choose whatever part of the land that he wanted. Abraham would take what was left. Abraham was very kind to Lot. Lot was selfish and chose the very best part of the land for himself and left only the hilly and rocky parts for Abraham.
Lot chose the Jordan valley to live in. In this valley were many wicked cities. One city was named Sodom. It was in this city that Lot went to live.
One day while Abraham was in his tent door, three angels came to visit him. At first Abraham thought the angels were just three men who were passing by his way. But soon Abraham knew that they were three angels or messengers sent from God. One of the angels told Abraham and Sarah again that they would have a son. After Abraham and Sarah had given the three angels a nice dinner, the angels left and went on their way. Abraham walked a little ways with the angels and one of the angels told Abraham that God was going to destroy the wicked city of Sodom. (Genesis 18:16-22)
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