Kabbalah Library

78. It is forbidden for man to look where the Creator loathes, and his soul is far from him. As it is forbidden to look at what the Creator loves, it is forbidden many times over with what is far from Him. Man is forbidden to look at the rainbow, since it is a similitude of the upper image, since Malchut has the three colors of the rainbow, her three lines. Also, man is forbidden to look at the token of his covenant, since it implies to the righteous one of the world. Also, man is forbidden to look at the fingers of the priests when they stretch out their hands, since the glory of the upper king is present there. As it is forbidden to look at a high and holy place, it is certainly forbidden to look at an impure place. This is why it is written, “Do not turn to the idols.” Just as it is forbidden to look at them, it is much more so with serving them or making them.

79. “Do not turn to the idols” comes to warn Israel as with the Ten Commandments not to turn to the idols, corresponding to “You shall have no other god besides Me,” and “Do not make for yourselves mask gods,” corresponding to “You shall not make for yourselves statues.” “I am the Lord your God” corresponds to “I am the Lord your God.” “Every one of you shall fear his mother and his father” corresponds to “Honor your father and your mother.” And observe MY Sabbaths” corresponds to “Remember the Sabbath day to consecrate it,” and “Do not swear falsely in My name” corresponds to “Do not utter the name of the Lord your God in vain.” “The adulterer and adulteress shall be put to death” corresponds to “Do not make adultery,” and “You shall not stand up against the life of your neighbor” corresponds to “Do not commit murder.”

80. The Ten Commandments speak in singular form, “I am the Lord your God,” Remember the Sabbath day,” Do not utter the name of the Lord,” “Do not murder,” Do not commit adultery,” Do not steal.” Here, however, it is written in plural form, “I am the Lord your God,” “Everyone shall fear his mother and his father,” “Observe My Sabbaths,” Do not turn to the idols.” Indeed, since the day when Israel were present in the world, they were present before the Creator in one heart and in one will, as on that day when they stood at Mount Sinai. For this reason, everything is said in singular form. Afterwards, it is said in plural form, since they were not so much in one will.