2841. 'The angel of Jehovah called to Abraham a second time out of heaven' means a still greater comfort received by the Lord [from the Divine]. This is clear from the meaning of 'calling out of heaven' as giving comfort to, and from the meaning of 'the angel of Jehovah' as the Lord's Divine itself, dealt with above in 2821, where the same words occur. The expression a second time is used here because a greater comfort is received. The comfort received first is contained in verses 12-14, where Divine providence is the subject, that comfort being that those members of the human race who are called spiritual would be adopted. The second comfort, which is greater, is contained in the verses which follow below - in verses 17-18, and those that follow to the end of the chapter - the comfort in this case being that those spiritual ones would be multiplied as the stars of the heavens and as the sand on the seashore, and that not only those people would be saved but also all in whom goodness may be found. These things were the objects of the Lord's love, and therefore such things brought Him comfort. No one finds any comfort except in the things which are the objects of his love.

2821. 'The angel of Jehovah called to him out of heaven' means comfort received at that time from the Divine itself. This becomes clear from the meaning of 'calling out of heaven' as giving comfort to, as is also evident from what comes immediately before and directly after; and from the meaning of 'the angel of Jehovah'. When angels are mentioned in the Word they mean something within the Lord, though exactly what belonging to Him is apparent from the whole train of thought, see 1925. Here 'the angel of Jehovah' is used to mean the Divine itself. Something similar is said regarding the Lord, when He endured the very severe temptation in Gethsemane,

There appeared to Him an angel from heaven, strengthening Him. Luke 22:43.

Here also 'an angel from heaven' is used in the internal sense to mean the Divine that was within Him.