The Hebrew word Hineni (הנני), means “Here I am!” The letters within the word are Hey, Nun (2x’s) and Yod. Which creates the picture of “behold life, behold life from the outstretched hand”. Are you ready to join the ranks of Abraham, Moses, the Prophets & Yeshua?
When God called out to Moses from the burning bush, Moses replied, “Hineni!” When God approached Abraham to ask him to offer his only son, Abraham responded, “Hineni!” Many hundreds of years later, when Yah asked who would go and testify for Him in Isaiah 6, the prophet willingly offered with a cry of “hineni!”
“Hineni” in the prophetic writings, is often translated as, “Behold, I will…” But it is more like, “Behold! Here I am, doing this thing!” In this case, Noah is saved by the ark of salvation and given a promise that would last till the end of days. This demonstration of Elohim’s “hineni” announced both judgment and covenant.
In Genesis chapter 22, there are some important landmarks in regards to stating or even receiving “hineni” from Abraham’s story. What is this landmark? Consider verse one,
“Now it came about after these things, that God tested Abraham.”
What are “these things?” As most of us know, Abraham had been tested in many areas of his life, prior to this calling. Some for which he had failed and others he succeeded. Consider the following prominent events.
- Abraham is afraid and almost loses his wife to Abimelech.
- Abraham’s son Isaac is born into the family, which causes Sarah to send Hagar out of the family tent.
- Abraham makes an oath with Abimelech in order to “get along.”
- Abraham plants a tree to call on Yahweh and then sojourns in the land of the Philistines for many days.
It’s after “these things” that God tests Abraham with the ultimate test of giving up His son in order to walk with the King of the Universe.
The picture of Abraham’s test is astoundingly similar to the plan of Salvation: The Father subjects Himself to take His Son up to the mountain. Yeshua, His Son willing goes. When the Son asks the Father who will be the sacrifice, the Son willing lays down His life on the altar of sacrifice. Though in YHWH’s plan of redemption, the Son of Man is not rescued, but becomes the Ram caught in the thicket . . . wearing the crown of thorns to become our sacrifice. Praise His Name! For not only is our physical life saved but also our spiritual life is redeemed by His mighty hand. Hence, we can now walk hand in hand with Him. Are you ready to walk in faith?
So how does this relate to you or me?
Let’s consider the landmarks of Abraham and compare them to the ones we experience. Are we willing to say “Here I am” when facing a divorce or marital issue. Are we willing when our family is screaming at each other? Can we say it when working for a system that seeks to manipulate you?
It’s easy to say “hineni” when times are good or in the congregation. But can you say “here I am” when times aren’t so good or when you are alone?
Yeshua’s divinity grants us power to overcome this world and the corruption that it holds onto. It’s by His work that we can overcome.
“For His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4 Through these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world on account of lust.”
2 Peter 1:3-5
Peter writes about the need to partake in Yeshua, so that our very nature will change. Though at the same time, he reminds us to “practice” excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and, love.
Before Peter knew Yeshua he was a “son of thunder.” After knowing Yeshua, Peter became a “fisher of men.”
Do you want to partake in YHWH’s Kingdom? If you do, listen to Him. Follow Him and seek His face. Rejoice in His presence. Practice the fruits He has to offer. Accept His judgments and His promises. And yes, we can even plead with Him to save!
Be blessed this Sabbath
Rollyn