And the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, but take the goods for yourself.” But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have lifted my hand to the Lord, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth, that I would not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ I will take nothing but what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me. Let Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre take their share.” – Genesis 14:21-24
This final passage concerning the redemption of Lot deals more directly with the king of corrupt Sodom. Here his request is both reasonable and understandable. The value of the people is greater than the possessions. Still Abram is jealous to testify to the provisions of the Lord. It is possible that these goods would have been considered unholy because of their association with Sodom.
In either case, the redemption of lot provided relief to the sinful Sodom. The truth stands: God’s grace falls upon the unfaithful (Matt 5:45). Though the destruction of Sodom is near, here they are recipients of temporary salvation both in their persons and possessions.