When God first spoke to Avraham to issue the command of Akeidat Yitzhak, Avraham replied, “Hineini” (“Here I am” – 22:1).
Commenting on this word, Rav Avraham ben Ha-Rambam notes the distinction between Avraham’s response and that of Adam, when God spoke to him in Gan Eden after he partook of the forbidden tree. Avraham lived in a state of preparedness, ready to receive and obey God’s word; Adam, however, was caught off guard, and was frightened upon hearing God’s voice.
The final section of Parashat Vayera tells the famous story of akeidat Yitzchak, when God tested Avraham by commanding him to slaughter his son, Yitzchak, as an offering. God eventually withdrew the command after seeing that Avraham was prepared to proceed with this ritual to fulfill God’s will.
When God first spoke to Avraham to issue this command, Avraham replied, “Hineini” (“Here I am” – 22:1). Commenting on this word, Rav Avraham ben Ha-Rambam writes in his Torah commentary, “It seems that underlying his (of blessed memory) response of ‘Hineini’ is the fact that he was prepared at the time of the calling, preparation which testifies to the understanding he had before the calling…” Following the teachings of his father, the Rambam, Rav Avraham works on the assumption that nobody can receive prophecy without prior rigorous intellectual preparation. Avraham’s declaration of “Hineini” immediately upon hearing God call to him reflects his preparedness for prophecy, the fact that his mind had been ready to receive a prophetic message. Rav Avraham proceeds to note the distinction between Avraham’s response and that of Adam, when God spoke to him in Gan Eden after he partook of the forbidden tree. Whereas Avraham responded, “Hineini,” Adam responded, “I was frightened, for I am naked, and so I hid” (3:10). Avraham lived in a state of preparedness, ready to receive and obey God’s word; Adam, however, was caught off guard, and was frightened upon hearing God’s voice.
Rav Avraham ben Ha-Rambam’s comments relate to the specific context of the preparations required for prophecy, but they may convey a broader message, as well. We must live our lives in a state of constant preparedness, ready to fulfill God’s commands. We never know what circumstances might arise, what kind of unexpected tests will come our way at any moment, and what obligations and responsibilities will suddenly fall upon us without warning. When Adam heard God speak, he was caught off guard, and thus felt frightened and intimidated. By living each day with a sense of mission and obligation, standing prepared and ready to accept any obligations God sends our way, we will be able to respond, as Avraham did, with the declaration of “Hineini.” We will be able to rise to even life’s most difficult occasions with confidence and resolve, and meet all the challenges that come our way.