Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does the angel call Avraham's name twice ('Avraham, Avraham')?
A: Rashi explains that the repetition of Avraham's name shows affection and urgency. It is a way of saying, 'I am here for you in this moment of trial.' The double call also indicates that this was a significant, life-changing moment in Avraham's relationship with Hashem.
Q: What does Avraham's response 'Hineni' ('Here I am') teach us?
A: Avraham's immediate response 'Hineni' demonstrates his complete readiness and devotion to Hashem. The Midrash teaches that this word reflects total submission and willingness to fulfill Hashem's will, even in the most challenging situations. It serves as a model for how we should respond to divine commandments.
Q: Why did an angel speak to Avraham instead of Hashem directly?
A: According to Rambam (Maimonides), angels are often intermediaries for divine communication in the physical world. Here, the angel represents Hashem's mercy intervening to stop the sacrifice of Yitzchak. The shift from direct divine communication to an angel may also reflect the change from a test to an act of compassion.
Q: What is the significance of the angel calling from heaven?
A: The Talmud (Chullin 91b) notes that heavenly communication emphasizes the divine origin of the message. The fact that the call came 'from heaven' reinforces that this was not a human thought or desire, but a true divine command to stop the sacrifice, showing that Hashem never intended for Yitzchak to actually be harmed.
Q: How does this verse relate to the theme of tests in Avraham's life?
A: This moment represents the culmination of Avraham's tests, particularly the Akeidah (Binding of Yitzchak). The angel's call confirms that Avraham passed this ultimate test of faith. As the Ramban explains, the purpose was not the act itself, but to demonstrate Avraham's complete devotion to Hashem, which became a model for future generations.
The Repetition of Avraham's Name
The verse repeats Avraham's name twice ("Avraham, Avraham"), which Rashi (Bereshit 22:11) explains as an expression of affection and urgency. This repetition is a lashon of חיבה (language of endearment), similar to when Hashem called to Moshe ("Moshe, Moshe") at the burning bush (Shemot 3:4). The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 56:7) adds that this doubling signifies the immediacy of the call, as Avraham was in the midst of fulfilling the Akeidah (Binding of Yitzchak).
The Response "Hineni"
Avraham's reply, "Hineni" ("Here I am"), demonstrates his complete readiness and submission to Hashem's will. Ramban (Bereshit 22:1) notes that this response reflects Avraham's unwavering devotion, as he had already shown by immediately setting out to perform the Akeidah. The Talmud (Chullin 91a) draws a parallel between Avraham's "Hineni" and the response of the angels in Yeshayahu 6:8, highlighting Avraham's angelic level of commitment.
The Angel's Intervention
The Malach Hashem (angel of Hashem) calls from heaven to stop Avraham from slaughtering Yitzchak. The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 2:42) explains that angels in Tanach often serve as messengers conveying divine will, and here, the angel acts to preserve Avraham's test while preventing actual harm to Yitzchak. The Midrash (Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer 31) teaches that this angel was Michael, the defender of the Jewish people, symbolizing divine mercy intervening at the critical moment.
Spiritual Significance