56. Rabbi Elazar opened the discussion with the verse: "And Aaron took him Elisheba daughter of Amminadav, sister of Nachshon, to wife" (Shemot 6:23). "And Aaron took," properly, as the supernal model. Come and behold: Elisheba, WHO IS MALCHUT, was destined for Aaron from the day of the creation of the world, and Bathsheba, WHO IS MALCHUT, was destined for David from the time of the creation of the world.

57. HE ASKS: SINCE BOTH OF THEM ARE MALCHUT, what is the difference between them, BETWEEN BATHSHEBA AND ELISHEBA? HE ANSWERS: All is one AND BOTH ARE MALCHUT, but one name refers to Judgment, the other to Mercy. When she was joined with David, it was for THE ASPECT OF Judgment (to wage war and shed blood), while here with Aaron it was for peace, joy, gladness and to be blessed BY HIM. Therefore, she is called Bathsheba there and Elisheba here, because Elisheba was joined with Mercy, FOR SHE CONTAINS THE LETTERS ELI-SHEVA AND EL IS MERCY. Bathsheba was sent before Judgment in order to be a worthy heir of the royal family and to gain strength.

60. Come and see: "And Aaron took him Elisheba," WHO IS MALCHUT, to perfume her and gladden her and join her with the Holy King, WITH ZEIR ANPIN, in a perfect union - so that blessings may be spread all over the world, diffused through Aaron. Therefore, the priest must ever be smiling and joyful as the supernal model above, for blessings and joy come through him. Therefore, punishment, wrath and gloom are removed from him, so that he may not be disqualified from the place to which he is linked, NAMELY MALCHUT. Therefore, "let your brethren, the whole house of Yisrael bewail the burning" but not the priest. It is also written: "Bless Hashem, His substance, and accept the work of His hands" (Devarim 33:11).