Kohelet 12:13 Kabbala: Or Neerav

This [number] is not to be connected to the [divine] “qualities” alone, but rather [also] to the things which derive from them. All of them are included in the ten. The “qualities” themselves have as their sum ten from ten. One may not add or subtract, God forbid. Even if we were to say that [the ten] are the sum of the six directions and the four qualities,³Cf. Sefer Yeẓirah 1:5. and so on, the intention is that they reveal themselves in the mystery of four, and the like. However, their sum is always ten. The true and apparent reason for this was explained by King David, peace upon him, when he said, You, O Lord my God, have done many things; the wonders You have devised for us (Ps. 40:6). [In the Mishnah] it is taught, “There are three crowns.”⁴Mishnah, Avot 4:17. It is known that the crowns are reserved for the president [of the Sanhedrin], the high priest, and the king. Because of the awesomeness of their majesty, it was necessary to have, [respectively,] a deputy [high priest], a viceroy, and a vice-president⁵Av bet din, lit. “father of the court.” of the court for the administration of the nation. Under these [officials] are three flocks of sheep: the hosts of Israel, the watches of the priesthood, the officers who direct the people and the Sanhedrin. All of them have their eyes and their hearts on “the crown of a good name”⁶Mishnah, Avot 4:17. [from] the congregation of Jacob,⁷A reference to the sefirah Malkhut. which rises upward with their help to glorify their Maker for His creation, for that is the entire [duty of] man (Eccles. 12:13). Behold, I have shown [in front of] your very eyes the need for this complete number, which tells its end from [its] beginning (cf. Isa. 46:10).