Mercy and Judgment: Selections from the Kabbalistic Zohar, Part 1 of 2

Today, we would like to present selections from the Greater Holy Assembly, a volume of the Zohar where Rabbi Schimeon led a group of holy sages through a discussion on the attributes governing the laws of physical reality as symbolized by the features of Microprosopus. Although the human mind is separate from the Divine, it receives sparks of benevolence and understanding from the Divine, as symbolized by Macroprosopus, the creator of Microprosopus.

We now present selections from “The Kabbalah Unveiled” on Divine mercy and judgment, and the favorability to be Tetragrammaton’s right hand, or in other words, being closer to God.

CONCERNING THE SEPARATE MEMBERS OF EACH PERSONIFICATION, AND ESPECIALLY CONCERNING THE ARMS OF MICROPROSOPUS.

“[…] For of the arms there is only made mention of that on the right side; but in Exodus 15:6 it is called, ‘Thy right hand, O Tetragrammaton!’ Therefore it is said ‘the right hand of Tetragrammaton,’ with reference to the three divisions of the Patriarchs who have occupied those parts. […]”

“This is that which is written, Daniel 12:13: ‘And thou shall rest, and rise again in thy lot at the limit of My right hand.’ Like as if it were said: ‘Even as he who is worthy of the friendship of the King is happy when the King extends His right hand, and places him at His right hand.’ But when He sits, certain members are extended as to this right hand, but the arm extends not the hand (otherwise, when He sits, also the members are not extended, and the arm is not stretched forth but remains still), with its three members, of which mention has been made before. But when sinners are stirred up and spread abroad in the world, three other members are excited, which are severe judgment, and His arm is stretched forth. And when that arm is stretched forth, it is as it were the right hand (also); but it is called ‘the arm of Tetragrammaton’: ‘O Tetragrammaton! Thine arm has been stretched forth’ (1 Kings 8:42). When these three members are contained in those three, all are called the right hand, and judgment is exercised and mercy.

This is that which is said, Exodus 15:6: ‘Thy right hand, O Tetragrammaton, is marvelous in power; with Thy right hand, O Tetragrammaton, will Thou dash in pieces the enemy;’ seeing that therein are stirred up the mercies. […]”