Why God Calls Avraham, Yaakov, Moshe, and Shmuel by Name Twice

Rabbi Chiyya taught: “Avraham, Avraham” (Genesis 22:11), “Yaakov, Yaakov” (Genesis 46:2), “Moshe, Moshe” (Exodus 3:4), “Shmuel, Shmuel” (1 Samuel 3:10) — this is an expression of affection and an expression of urging. Rabbi Elazar says: It was said to him and for the generations. There is no generation that does not have within it one like Avraham; there is no generation that does not have within it one like Yaakov; there is no generation that does not have within it one like Moshe; there is no generation that does not have within it one like Shmuel.