Le Deutéronome 4:32 Cabale : Zohar, Ohr Ne'erav & Sha'arei Orah

Said R. Judah: ‘We have a direct Scriptural proof for this, for it says, “Ask of the days that are past… since the day that God created man upon earth, and ask from the one side of the heaven unto the other…” (Deut. 4, 32). Up to this point man may investigate, but no further.’

18. [The beginner] must also know that it is not proper for a student [of Kabbalah] to inquire as to the essence of the three first [sefirot], which constitute intellect, wisdom, and understanding.¹In this enumeration, Keter is referred to as sekhel, i.e., “intellect.” It is furthermore improper to investigate the hidden force which created all that exists.²This is a reference to Keter and Eyn Sof. Since He, His will and wisdom and understanding are one, and they are true qualities of His essence, it is not proper to inquire [into it]. However, from Ḥesed and Gevurah and below, there is no sin in investigating them, for they are qualities which have been emanated in order to direct the lower beings. One who increases his investigation into them is called industrious and will be rewarded. Similar to this [case] is that which is written, You shall surely send forth the mother—which is Binah³Binah, linked with Ḥokhmah, is the “mother” of all the lower sefirot.— and the sons⁴The seven lower sefirot. you will take for yourself (Deut. 22:7), to inquire and investigate. Thus also, inquire now as to the first days (Deut. 4:32).

This Sefirah is also called Preexistent-Kedem-קדם, as I shall now explain. Know that no novel creature has the capacity to investigate or contemplate that which preexisted the creation of the world, being that the curtain is locked and sealed before him, and it would be as if he disregards the honor of his Maker. Our sages, of blessed memory, already stated this in Tractate Chagigah,³³⁰Mishnah Chagigah 2:1; Talmud Bavli, Chagigah 11a-b; 16a about the verse,³³¹Deuteronomy 4:32 “For inquire now regarding the early days that preceded you, from the day when God created man on earth, and from one end of the heavens to the other end of heavens etc.” They said, “One might think that he may ask about matters that preexisted the creation of the world. The verse therefore states, you may ask ‘From the day when God created man on earth,’ but not before.”