The Mystical Synthesis of the Divine: Exploring the Concepts of “Mi” and “Eleh” in Kabbalistic Thought
The rich tapestry of Kabbalistic thought offers deep insights into the nature of the divine, often blending the abstract with the mystical. One of the most intriguing aspects of this mystical tradition is the exploration of the divine name Elohim (אֱלוֹהִים). It embodies both the hidden and revealed aspects of God.
The interplay between “Mi” (מי), meaning “who,” and “Eleh” (אלה), meaning “these,” forms a central motif in understanding the divine nature, creation, and humanity’s relationship to God. This essay delves into the profound symbolism behind these terms, the significance of Hebrew letters in Jewish mysticism, and the ultimate synthesis of the hidden and revealed within the name Elohim. It also considers the consequences of misusing this sacred knowledge, as seen in the Golden Calf incident.
The Name Elohim: A Fusion of Hidden and Revealed
In Kabbalistic thought, the name Elohim, one of the most frequently used names for God in the Hebrew Bible, is not merely a linguistic designation. Instead, it represents a complex and dynamic expression of the divine that incorporates both “Mi” (who) and “Eleh” (these)—two terms that signify the hidden and revealed dimensions of God, respectively.
The term “Mi” (מי) symbolizes the mystery and transcendence of God. It represents what is beyond human comprehension, the source of creation that remains concealed, residing in the depths of divine thought and intention.
In contrast, “Eleh” (אלה) signifies what is revealed—the manifest aspects of God that are accessible to human perception. In creation, “Eleh” represents the tangible and knowable aspects of the divine, expressed through God’s actions, such as His justice, mercy, and creative power.
The Kabbalistic idea that Elohim is the fusion of “Mi” and “Eleh” suggests that God’s name is not just a title but a profound mystery. It connects the unseen divine essence (Mi) with the visible, created world (Eleh). This combination reflects the dual nature of God as both hidden and revealed. God is both a transcendent mystery and an immanent presence who acts within creation.
Letters as Sacred Forces in Creation
The Hebrew alphabet holds a unique position in Kabbalistic thought. Each letter is considered more than a mere symbol; it is a mystical force contributing to the structure of reality itself. In the creation narrative, God is said to have spoken the world into existence. Divine speech, formed by these sacred letters, serves as the blueprint of creation.
In this context, the letters Aleph (א), Lamed (ל), and Hei (ה), which form the word “Eleh” (these), represent the revealed aspects of divine energy that manifest in the world. These letters symbolize the part of God discernible in creation, accessible through observation, revelation, and the natural world.
On the other hand, the letters Mem (מ) and Yud (י), forming the word “Mi” (who), stand for the hidden aspects of God. These elements remain beyond comprehension and reside in the unknown. They symbolize the transcendent nature of God that cannot be fully understood or expressed.
When these two sets of letters combine, they form the name Elohim. This name encompasses the entirety of divine reality, both the hidden and the revealed. It symbolizes the tension between mystery and revelation. The letters are vehicles for divine expression and keys to understanding the nature of God.
Creation as Divine Revelation
The passage emphasizes that before the “Eleh” (the revealed) was created, the full name of Elohim had not yet ascended. This suggests that creation is the means through which God reveals Himself. The world itself manifests the divine, making the previously hidden aspects of God (Mi) visible through tangible realities (Eleh).
This concept reflects a fundamental belief in Jewish mysticism. The world is not an accident, nor is it separate from God. Creation is an act of self-revelation, where hidden divine mysteries become apparent to humanity. The act of creation is God clothing Himself in a “precious, radiant garment”—an image of divine light descending into the material world.
The process of combining the hidden (Mi) with the revealed (Eleh) can also be understood in the context of the Sefirot. These are the ten divine emanations through which God interacts with the world. The upper Sefirot represent the hidden aspects of God’s will, while the lower Sefirot represent more accessible aspects of God’s interaction with creation.
Together, these emanations form the divine structure that governs reality.
The Golden Calf: A Misuse of Divine Knowledge
The passage concludes by reflecting on the Golden Calf incident. After losing faith in Moses’ return from Mount Sinai, the Israelites proclaimed, “This is your Elohim, Israel” (Exodus 32:4). In Kabbalistic terms, the sin of the Golden Calf was more than mere idolatry; it was a misuse of mystical knowledge.
The error of the Golden Calf is understood as a misapplication of the hidden and revealed aspects of God. By trying to encapsulate God’s mystery (Mi) into a tangible object (Eleh), the Israelites ignored the balance between the hidden transcendence of God and His manifest presence.
They attempted to fix the infinite within the finite, violating the sacred unity of the name Elohim.
Conclusion
The mystical understanding of Elohim as a fusion of “Mi” (who) and “Eleh” (these) offers a profound lens to view God’s nature. The divine name represents the synthesis of the hidden and revealed, the unknowable and the manifest.
Kabbalistic thought teaches that God’s nature is a dynamic interplay between what is concealed in the depths of divine mystery and what is revealed in creation.
The letters that form this name are not arbitrary; they are sacred forces that structure reality, linking the spiritual and material worlds. The balance between the hidden and the revealed, transcendence and immanence, is central to understanding God’s relationship with the world and humanity.
The misuse of this knowledge, exemplified by the Golden Calf incident, serves as a reminder of the dangers of attempting to control or confine the divine. True wisdom lies in recognizing the dynamic tension between God’s hidden mystery and His revealed presence.
It is essential to honor both the unknowable depths of “Mi” and the manifest reality of “Eleh” in the name Elohim.
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