Jeremías 31:2 Cábala: Ohr Ne'erav

19. [The beginner] must also know that the activities of Ḥesed are manifold. Nonetheless, we will mention some which will presently be made [understandable] to the reader. (1) Ḥesed (“Mercy”) is, as its name implies, to help and succor man. It also [serves] to nullify the power of the Outside Ones⁵The forces of the kelipah. who accuse and vex man. Among the activities of this quality are also all the matters having to do with whiteness, like the stones whose color is white and whose virtues [derive from] Ḥesed. Among its actions is love. Despite the fact that the arousal of love is from the Left side,⁶I.e., that of Gevurah. its major thrust and goal are contained in the Right side,⁷I.e., that of Gedulah or Ḥesed. as is written, I have loved you with an eternal love, therefore I have drawn you with mercy (ḥesed) (Jer. 31:2). Among its actions, it draws a man to wisdom through the power of Ḥokhmah, which is above it on the right side. Among its actions it can include Gevurah within itself to execute Judgment, in which there is a small [admixture of] Mercy, as [in the case of] the drowning of the Egyptians in the Sea. This quality [of Ḥesed] possesses seventy-two bridges. This is hinted at in the seventy-two names contained in the verses he journeyed … he came … he pitched… (Exod. 14:19-21).⁸Ḥesed equals 72 in gematria.