God: "It was My wish that the world should become acquainted with thee,
and should know that it is not without good reason that I have chosen
thee from all the nations. Now it hath been witnessed unto men that
thou fearest God."[247]
Hereupon God opened the heavens, and Abraham heard the words, "By
Myself I swear!"
Abraham: "Thou swearest, and also I swear, I will not leave this altar
until I have said what I have to say."