“Now it was after these things that God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham.”

‘Hineni,’ he said (Genesis 22:1, TLV).

I learned a new Hebrew word today. I’m reading through the Tree of Life Version of the Bible. It’s a Messianic Jewish translation that often will insert Hebrew words instead of translating them. Also, it refers to Yeshua rather than Jesus when talking about the Messiah.

Hineni simply means “Here I am.”

But according to all that I have learned, it’s more than stating a geographical location. In this passage, God didn’t need to know where Abraham was. What Abraham was saying in that one word response was, “I am available and willing, no matter what.”

In this case, God was calling Abraham to take his only son, Isaac, and offer him as a sacrifice. Abraham was completely ready to obey even though he believed God’s promise about making a nation through his offspring. He somehow knew God could still fulfill His word.

Later on, we see that the Angel of the Lord stopped Abraham from going through with the deed. After He calls to Abraham, again Abraham responds with “Hineni.”

Once more, Abraham was instantly willing and able to do whatever God commanded. He didn’t need to think it over or figure out how it made sense before he could act. He simply acted.

Also, the word is used for Isaiah when God asked who could He send and who would go for Him to preach His message to wayward Israel. Again, Isaiah said “Hineni – here I am. Send me.”

May that be the posture of our hearts. Lord, whatever and whenever You call, I’m ready. My answer is Yes before You even ask the question. Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening. Amen.