In the mystical world of Kabbalah, every verse holds deep layers of meaning, and sometimes it’s not even about what’s on the surface but what lies between the letters. Here, we’re diving into a cosmic connection between King David’s words in Psalm 22 and the Purim story of Esther. And guess what? It all comes back to spiritual energies, hidden codes, and the ultimate showdown between good and evil.
Sha’ar HaPesukim, a Kabbalistic work from Rabbi Isaac Luria (the Ari), transcribed by his student Rabbi Chaim Vital, serves as a gateway to understanding these deeper layers. It doesn’t just read verses but unlocks the spiritual forces and meanings behind them. Think of it as the mystical version of zooming out to see the cosmic blueprint of reality.
Let’s focus on Siman 22 from Sha’ar HaPesukim, where the verse “Hatzileini me’cherev nafshi” (“Deliver my soul from the sword”) takes on a whole new dimension. The word for “sword” (*cherev*) is code for none other than Haman, the villain from the Purim story. The Ari tells us that the initial letters of the words in this verse spell out "Haman." Esther herself, in her moment of desperation, was invoking these very words, praying for salvation from Haman, who is of the seed of Esau—someone who, according to scripture, was blessed to live by the sword (“On your sword you shall live”).
So, we see that Psalm 22 isn’t just a random prayer for deliverance; it’s a deeply rooted plea connected to the spiritual battle against Haman, a descendant of Esau, the eternal adversary. Esther’s prayer wasn't just a one-time thing, but a cosmic pattern of battling the forces of evil, manifested here as Haman.
But it doesn’t stop there. The phrase “Ach tov ve’chesed yirdifuni kol yemei chayai”(“Only goodness and kindness will follow me all the days of my life”) is an exploration of the interplay between divine energies. The Ari explains that when divine kindness (chesed) is hidden within the foundation of the sefirah of Yesod, it's referred to as “tov” (good). Once that kindness is revealed and flows into the world, it’s called "chesed" (kindness). That’s why King David starts with the word "tov" (goodness) and then moves to "chesed" (kindness) in the verse. It’s a reflection of how these spiritual energies unfold, from hidden potential to revealed blessing.
In simple terms, it’s like saying the blessings we receive don’t always show up right away. Sometimes they’re hidden (like tov) before they’re revealed (like chesed). And when they do show up, they chase after us, filling our lives with goodness.
Lastly, the Ari adds a powerful note about “Chayai” (“my life”), pointing out that in Kabbalah, the intellect (the sefirah of *Chochmah*) is referred to as the "life of the King." So, when David speaks of “the days of my life,” it’s not just about physical days but the spiritual days of divine awareness and consciousness.
In conclusion, this passage from Sha’ar HaPesukim is more than just a deep dive into words and letters—it’s a spiritual map that connects us from the days of King David to Esther’s battle against Haman, to the ongoing unfolding of divine kindness in our own lives. Through this lens, we see that every prayer, every plea, every word in our holy texts is part of a grand cosmic story, linking us to the past, guiding us through the present, and preparing us for a future filled with goodness and kindness.
And the next time you read Psalm 22 or hear about Esther’s courage on Purim, remember there’s more going on than meets the eye. You're connected to a mystical pattern of spiritual resistance and divine flow that has existed for generations!
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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