Genesis 22:11
And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I.
Genesis 22:11 · King James Version
Meaning
When the angel of the LORD called out to Abraham from heaven, it was a significant moment in the life of Abraham. The repetition of his name, "Abraham, Abraham," emphasized the urgency and importance of the message that was about to be delivered. By responding with "Here am I," Abraham showed his readiness to listen and obey the command that was to come. This interaction between Abraham and the angel of the LORD demonstrates Abraham's close relationship with God and his willingness to submit to God's will. It signifies a pivotal moment in Abraham's journey of faith, as he demonstrates his unwavering trust and obedience in the face of divine intervention. This verse captures the essence of Abraham's faith and serves as a reminder of the importance of being attentive to God's calling in our own lives.
Theological Overview
In the theological interpretation of the verse where the angel of the LORD calls out to Abraham, there is emphasis placed on the personal nature of God's interaction with His people. The repetition of Abraham's name, "Abraham, Abraham" signifies the intimacy and urgency with which God is calling out to him. This highlights God's desire for a close relationship with His chosen ones, where He knows them by name and is actively involved in their lives. The response of Abraham, "Here am I", reflects his readiness to listen and obey the voice of God. It conveys a sense of humility, submission, and willingness to follow God's will. Furthermore, this verse underscores the importance of being attentive and responsive to God's call, as He seeks to communicate with His people in a personal and direct manner.
Genesis 22:11 in other translations
American Standard Version
And the angel of Jehovah called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here I am.
World English Bible
Yahweh’s angel called to him out of the sky, and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” He said, “Here I am.”
Douay-Rheims
And behold, an angel of the Lord from heaven called to him, saying: Abraham, Abraham. And he answered: Here I am.
Geneva Bible (1599)
But the Angel of the Lord called vnto him from heauen, saying, Abraham, Abraham. And he answered, Here am I.