When Divine Energy Falters: Understanding Corruption in Chapter 14 of Psalms

In Chapter 14 of Psalms, the verse "They are all gone aside, they are altogether become filthy" paints a picture of a world where things have gone astray, spiritually and morally. Rabbi Chaim Vital, in Sha'ar HaPesukim, offers a deeper Kabbalistic interpretation of this verse, linking it to the disruption of divine energy and its consequences on the physical world. This teaching highlights the connection between the higher spiritual realms and the corruption we see in our everyday lives.

Divine Energy and the Flow of Life

In Kabbalistic teachings, divine energy flows from the higher sefirah of Binah (understanding) down to Zeir Anpin, which represents the emotional and active aspects of the spiritual world. Rabbi Vital explains that this energy is transmitted through seven breaths, known as "hevelim." These breaths are crucial for maintaining the balance and proper functioning of the spiritual and physical worlds. They carry divine energy and understanding, allowing it to permeate and influence the lower realms.

Each of these hevelim is connected to the divine name S"G (spelled ש"ג in Hebrew), which has a numerical value of 260. This number is significant because it represents the harmonious flow of divine energy that sustains the world. When these seven breaths flow uninterrupted, they ensure a connection between the divine source and the lower realms.

The Breakdown: When the Flow is Disrupted

Rabbi Chaim Vital suggests that the corruption mentioned in this verse arises when this flow of divine energy is disrupted. Just like a short circuit can cause a breakdown in a physical system, when the spiritual hevelim are interrupted, the world becomes corrupt. This disruption creates a disconnection from the divine source, leading to the moral and spiritual decay referenced in the verse.

The phrase "they are all gone aside" reflects this very idea. When the transmission of divine energy is interrupted, everything goes off course. The divine flow is what keeps the world aligned with higher spiritual truths, and without it, things fall into chaos. The "filth" mentioned in the verse is not just physical corruption but represents a deeper spiritual imbalance.

The Role of the Shofar

Rabbi Vital also connects this teaching to the shofar (ram’s horn), which plays a central role in Kabbalistic symbolism. The sound of the shofar, blown during certain times in Jewish tradition, is meant to realign and awaken the spiritual flow, particularly during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. The sound is like a spiritual reset button, helping to restore the disrupted flow of divine energy from Binah to Zeir Anpin. It’s a call to bring things back into balance, correcting the very corruption mentioned in the verse.

In essence, Rabbi Vital’s interpretation reminds us that corruption in the world is a reflection of a deeper, spiritual disruption. When divine energy—represented by the seven hevelim—fails to flow properly, the balance between the higher and lower worlds is lost. This leads to the moral and spiritual decay seen in the physical world.

The shofar, in its spiritual capacity, serves as a tool to restore this flow, signaling the need for correction and realignment. It’s a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness between the spiritual realms and our everyday reality.

Chapter 14 of Psalms, through the lens of Rabbi Chaim Vital, invites us to see corruption not merely as a surface-level issue but as a symptom of a deeper spiritual imbalance. The disruption of divine energy has consequences that ripple through the spiritual and physical worlds. However, with tools like the shofar and the understanding of divine flows, there’s always an opportunity for realignment and restoration.

In the zechut of Chaya Tzvia bas Sara Ita and Dovid Meyer ben Sara Ita may you have complete emuna and success in all your endeavors as well as klal Israel.

In my book Pick Me Up HaShem, you’ll find many prayers that explore how HaShem is constantly drawing us closer to Him, inviting us into a deeper relationship through prayer and reflection. These prayers are designed to help you connect with the divine presence in a way that transcends mere requests and taps into the true purpose of prayer.

If you’re ready to dive deeper into these spiritual truths, consider studying Kabbalah, the mystical tradition that unlocks the profound secrets of our reality and draws us closer to HaShem’s divine wisdom. Delve into teachings that illuminate the “why” behind the Torah, connecting the layers of Creation in a synergized whole and offering a glimpse of HaShem in a way no other study can. From the timeless wisdom of Rabbi Chaim Vital and the Arizal to the unifying insights of Rabbi Sar-Shalom Sharabi (Rashash), Kabbalah not only transforms your spiritual understanding but also brings peace, protection, and redemption closer to our world. Sponsor my study in this sacred tradition and receive its blessings for sustenance, health, and family, ensuring that the powerful light of Kabbalah shines in your merit.

The Unchecked Power of Speech: A Deeper Look into Psalm 12

In Sha'ar HaPesukim, Book of Psalms, Chapter 12, Rabbi Chaim Vital delves into the significance of speech and its spiritual consequences. The verse, "Who have said, 'With our tongue we will prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?'" addresses the human tendency to believe in the autonomy and power of our words. Speech is more than just a tool for communication; it's a force that can either uplift or destroy. The arrogance behind believing we have ultimate control over what we say, without consequence, is a central theme in this verse. Let’s explore how this idea plays out in both the physical and spiritual realms.

The Power and Potential of Speech

This verse speaks to the arrogance of those who misuse speech, especially in spreading harmful gossip or lashon hara. The tongue, although physically small and protected by the barriers of teeth and lips, holds immense power. The sages emphasize how even with these two protective barriers, the tongue often still breaks free and engages in negativity.

Rabbi Chaim Vital expands on this by explaining that those who engage in lashon hara are acting out of a belief that they have ultimate control over their speech. They claim ownership over their words, implying that no one— not even HaShem—can limit or judge how they choose to use their tongue. This represents a dangerous mindset where the speaker sees their words as free from any divine or moral consequence.

The Deeper Spiritual Consequences

Speech, in Kabbalah, is linked to the deeper spiritual dynamics between the human soul and divine forces. When used correctly, it can create positive spiritual shifts, while harmful speech like lashon hara causes significant damage, not just socially but also spiritually. According to Rabbi Vital, when people misuse their speech, they are not only harming others but also disconnecting themselves from divine alignment and responsibility.

The Arrogance of Control

The phrase "who is lord over us?" speaks to a rebellious and arrogant attitude. Those who believe their words have no consequences are denying the concept of divine oversight. Rabbi Vital explains that this verse reflects a deeper spiritual arrogance where people assume they can act without divine consequences. In essence, it's not just about what they say but their belief that their free will is beyond any divine judgment or intervention.

Chapter 12 of Psalms serves as a powerful reminder of the weight our words carry. The tongue may be small, but it holds the power to create both immense good and irreversible harm. Through the teachings of Rabbi Chaim Vital, we are reminded of the spiritual implications of our speech and the dangers of thinking we are beyond divine accountability. Speech, as simple as it may seem, is a direct channel between the physical and spiritual worlds, and how we choose to use it matters deeply.

In the zechut of Avner ben Yael Esther may you have complete emuna and success in all your endeavors as well as klal Israel.

In my book Pick Me Up HaShem, you’ll find many prayers that explore how HaShem is constantly drawing us closer to Him, inviting us into a deeper relationship through prayer and reflection. These prayers are designed to help you connect with the divine presence in a way that transcends mere requests and taps into the true purpose of prayer.

If you’re ready to dive deeper into these spiritual truths, consider studying Kabbalah, the mystical tradition that unlocks the profound secrets of our reality and draws us closer to HaShem’s divine wisdom. Delve into teachings that illuminate the “why” behind the Torah, connecting the layers of Creation in a synergized whole and offering a glimpse of HaShem in a way no other study can. From the timeless wisdom of Rabbi Chaim Vital and the Arizal to the unifying insights of Rabbi Sar-Shalom Sharabi (Rashash), Kabbalah not only transforms your spiritual understanding but also brings peace, protection, and redemption closer to our world. Sponsor my study in this sacred tradition and receive its blessings for sustenance, health, and family, ensuring that the powerful light of Kabbalah shines in your merit.

The Spiritual Battle of Righteousness: Aligning with Divine Balance

In Sha'ar HaPesukim, Book of Psalms, Chapter 11, "For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness; the upright shall behold His face," Rabbi Chaim Vital uncovers profound Kabbalistic insights into the spiritual forces at play when striving for righteousness. This verse isn't just about divine justice—it speaks to the ongoing cosmic battle between good and evil, where those seeking closeness to HaShem are met with resistance from negative forces. Through a deeper understanding of the Sefirot and divine alignment, this verse promises a path of protection, balance, and a direct connection with the divine for those who pursue righteousness.

Chapter 11: "For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness; the upright shall behold His face" offers a profound Kabbalistic insight into the ongoing struggle between spiritual growth and opposition from negative forces. The verse explores how HaShem’s righteousness serves as a divine protector for those seeking alignment with His will, while the Sitra Achra (the Other Side, or negative forces) intensifies its efforts to disrupt that connection.

The Battle Between Good and Evil: Sitra Achra and Divine Protection

The Zohar reveals that as a person strives to grow closer to HaShem, the Sitra Achra, which represents evil and opposition, works harder to pull them away. These negative forces, fueled by hatred for anyone seeking divine connection, lay traps and attempt to destroy the individual spiritually. Despite their deceptive and sweet words, the verse reassures us that HaShem, in His righteousness, protects those who take refuge under His divine guidance.

"The Lord is Righteous": Tzaddik and the Sefirah of Yesod

Rabbi Chaim Vital deepens this understanding by explaining that the word Tzaddik (righteous) refers to the Sefirah of Yesod, a channel of divine energy that connects higher realms with our physical world. Yesod is crucial for maintaining spiritual balance and order, acting as the foundation for righteousness and transmitting HaShem’s sustenance into the world. So when the verse states, "The Lord is righteous," it refers to this divine structure of balance, where Yesod maintains a connection between humanity and the divine.

"He Loves Righteousness": Netzach and Hod

The phrase "He loves righteousness" refers to the Sefirot of Netzach (eternity) and Hod (glory), which represent the divine will being expressed through righteous action. Netzach and Hod work together to ensure that the divine plan unfolds through human actions aligned with HaShem’s righteousness. By loving righteousness, HaShem supports the energy of these Sefirot, which govern the transmission of divine wisdom into the physical realm.

"The Upright Shall Behold His Face": Divine Harmony of Zeir Anpin and Nukva

The final part of the verse, "the upright shall behold His face," carries a deeper mystical meaning. In Kabbalistic thought, this refers to the state of Zeir Anpin (the male aspect) and Nukva (the female aspect) being face-to-face in harmony. When these divine forces are aligned, they symbolize balance and unity, allowing for a free flow of divine energy from HaShem into the world. This alignment is promised to the upright—those who live in accordance with divine righteousness—allowing them to experience a direct connection with the divine.

The Connection Between Prayer, Righteousness, and Mercy

Rabbi Chaim Vital emphasizes that through prayer and righteous action, we connect to the divine attributes of mercy and righteousness. Even though the unsweetened judgments from the destruction of the Second Temple still affect us today, it is through living in alignment with HaShem’s will that we can tap into His mercy and restore balance. The upright, those who seek to embody righteousness, are guaranteed a spiritual closeness with HaShem, symbolized by "beholding His face."

This verse from Psalms not only highlights the challenges of spiritual growth, but also emphasizes HaShem’s unwavering righteousness and protection. Through the lens of Kabbalah, we see how divine forces like Yesod, Netzach, and Hod ensure that righteous actions and prayers are aligned with HaShem’s will. In doing so, the upright can experience a profound connection with the divine, achieving harmony both in their lives and in the spiritual realms.

In the zechut of Hadassah bat Donna may she have complete emuna as well as klal Israel.

In my book Pick Me Up HaShem, you’ll find many prayers that explore how HaShem is constantly drawing us closer to Him, inviting us into a deeper relationship through prayer and reflection. These prayers are designed to help you connect with the divine presence in a way that transcends mere requests and taps into the true purpose of prayer.

If you’re ready to dive deeper into these spiritual truths, consider studying Kabbalah, the mystical tradition that unlocks the profound secrets of our reality and draws us closer to HaShem’s divine wisdom. Delve into teachings that illuminate the “why” behind the Torah, connecting the layers of Creation in a synergized whole and offering a glimpse of HaShem in a way no other study can. From the timeless wisdom of Rabbi Chaim Vital and the Arizal to the unifying insights of Rabbi Sar-Shalom Sharabi (Rashash), Kabbalah not only transforms your spiritual understanding but also brings peace, protection, and redemption closer to our world. Sponsor my study in this sacred tradition and receive its blessings for sustenance, health, and family, ensuring that the powerful light of Kabbalah shines in your merit.