Psalmów 130:1 Kabała: Sha'arei Orah

This Sefirah is called Depth-Omek-עומק, meaning, depth of thought (Omek HaMachshavah). However, do not err to think that since we call it “depth-Omek-עומק,” we mean something that is below. Rather, here, what is meant by the word “depth-Omek-עומק” is something that is wondrously beyond grasp, as in the verse,¹⁵²Ecclesiastes 7:24 “That which was is elusive, and that which is deep deep-Amok Amok-עמוק עמוק, who can fathom it?” This is the secret of the verse,¹⁵³Psalms 130:1 “From the depths-Mima’amakim-ממעמקים I called You HaShem-יהו״ה,” meaning, from the depths of thought (Machshavah) which is Desire-Ratzon-רצון without end or limit-Ein Sof v’Gvul-אין סוף וגבול. In this same manner, understand what Sefer Yetzirah states,¹⁵⁴Sefer Yetzirah 1:4 “A depth above-Omek Rom-עומק רום), a depth below-Omek Tachat-עומק תחת.” That is, it reveals to us that the word “depth-Omek-עומק” refers to that which is endless and unlimited. That is, it does not only refer to that which is low, but whatever is very lofty is also called “deep-Amok-עמוק.” It therefore is a term that assists in elevating HaShem-יהו"ה, blessed is He, meaning that He is above to no end or measure, because of His transcendent loftiness. Similarly, when this term is used in reference to what is below, it is meant to intensify the matter, indicating that it descends very far below. To conclude, wherever in Torah you find the term “depth-Omek-עומק,” it comes to intensify the matter or word to which it is juxtaposed, whether above, below, or to the sides. Sefer Yetzirah thus states,¹⁵⁵Sefer Yetzirah 1:4 “A depth above-Omek Rom-עומק רום, a depth below-Omek Tachat-עומק תחת, A depth to the east-Omek Mizrach-עומק מזרח, a depth to the west-Omek Ma’arav-עומק מערב.”

This being so, contemplate the verse,¹⁵⁶Psalms 130:1 “From the depths-Mima’amakim-ממעמקים I called You HaShem-יהו״ה.” That is, it refers to the depth-Omek-עומק of desire-Ratzon-רצון, which is the first letter of the Name HaShem-יהו״ה, called the letter of thought-Machshavah-מחשבה, as we soon will explain with HaShem’s-יהו״ה help, blessed is He. It therefore states,¹⁵⁷Psalms 92:6 “Your thoughts-Machshevotecha-מחשבותיך are exceedingly deep-Amkoo-עמקו.” Whoever understands this will understand the meaning of the verse,¹⁵⁸Job 12:22 “He reveals deep mysteries-Amukot-עמוקות from the darkness,” and the verse,¹⁵⁹Daniel 2:22 “He reveals deep-Amikta-עמיקתא and hidden mysteries.”

Now, because a person must have intentions in his prayers, ascending from Sefirah to Sefirah, and from desire to desire, until, in his heart, he reaches the Supernal “Source of Desire,” called the Unlimited One-Ein Sof-אין סוף, David therefore said,¹⁸¹Psalms 130:1 “A song of ascents; From the depths I called You, HaShem-יהו״ה.” The words, “From the depths-Mima’amakim-ממעמקים I called You HaShem-יהו״ה,” mean from the Supernal Source called the Unlimited One-Ein Sof-אין סוף, which is very deep-Amok-עמוק, and is the matter of the thorn of the letter Yod-י of the Name HaShem-יהו״ה. This is what is meant by, “From the depths-Mima’amakim-ממעמקים I called You HaShem-יהו״ה.” How should a person direct his intentions in this manner? By way of “ascent-Ma’alot-מעלות,” meaning that he should ascend from below to above, by first contemplating the final letter Hey-ה of the Name HaShem-יהו״ה, and then ascending from quality to quality and from Sefirah to Sefirah, until his thought ascends to the thorn of the letter Yod-י, which is the crown-Keter, called the Unlimited One-Ein Sof-אין סוף. This is the inner meaning of, “From the depths-Mima’amakim-ממעמקים,” and is why he said, “A song of ascents; From the depths I called You, HaShem-יהו״ה.”