Harmony of the Verses

After God provided a detailed and practical response to the angels’ question about Ādam’s vicegerency by teaching Ādam the names and then presenting them to the angels, the angels came to realize Ādam’s capability and potential for the position of vicegerency. They also recognized their own ignorance, inability, and unworthiness for this position. In doing so, they acknowledged God’s knowledge and wisdom in assigning the vicegerency to Ādam and not to themselves. Understanding that they could not even report the names without Ādam’s information, they declared: “You are exalted! We know nothing except what You have taught us. Indeed, it is You who is the Knowing, the Wise.”