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.
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