754. The Complaint of the Angels

We should interpret concerning the angels, who said, “Give Your glory on the heaven.”

Ostensibly, we should ask, Is the Torah a corporeal matter? If it is given below, can it not be above, as well? After all, the Torah should be given to both people and angels.

We should say that the complaint of the angels was that the Torah should be given to people who are in the quality of angels. This is the meaning of “Give Your glory on the heaven,” meaning on one whose desire is solely for the sake of the Creator. But when a person is on the earth, meaning his desire and yearning are for earthliness, how is he related to the Torah?

To this He replied to them, “Is there evil inclination in you?” This is as our sages said, “I have created the evil inclination; I have created the Torah as a spice.” But when the people of Israel are in the quality of angels, they have no need for the Torah.

It therefore follows that the Torah is needed mainly in order to reform us. That is, the Torah and Mitzvot [commandments] are in order to reform us, and this is precisely when we do have evil. This is when we need the Torah and Mitzvot, meaning that the Torah and Mitzvot are regarded as a Segula [cure/power/merit].

Only afterward, when they have been rewarded with purification, are they regarded as Israel, and then the Torah is considered an essence.

At that time, “The Torah, the Creator, and Israel are one.” That is, after the repentance, he is called “Israel” because then he receives the Torah, which is one with the Creator. At that time, the Torah is called “the names of the Creator,” and naturally, the Torah and the Creator are one with Israel, for only then is it called “Israel,” when the Torah and the Creator are one with the Israel.