But as far as the words go forth, they cleave the air asunder, and ascend,
and fly on, and from them is the voice made; and that which receiveth the
one receiveth also the other, and beareth it into the Holy Place in the
head of the King (otherwise, beneath Kether, the Crown).
From the three cavities (of the brain of Microprosopus) distilleth a
certain distillation, and it is called the Brook. As it is said in 1 Kings
xvii. 3, “The brook Kherith,” as it were an excavation or channel of the
ears.
And the voice entereth into that curved passage, and remaineth in that
brook of that distillation.
And then is it therein detained, and examined, whether it be good or
whether it be evil. This is the same which is said, Job xxxiv. 3, “Because
the ear examineth the words.”
For what cause doth the ear examine the words? Because the voice is
detained in that brook distilling into the curved passage of the ears, and
doth not swiftly enter into the body, and thereunto is an examination
instituted between the good and the evil.
“As the palate tasteth meat.” Wherefore can the palate taste meat? Because
in the same manner it causeth it to delay, and (the meat) doth not enter
so rapidly into the body. And hence (the palate) proveth and tasteth it
(to discern) whether it be sweet and pleasant.
From this opening of the ears depend other openings, (namely) the opening
of the eye, the opening of the mouth, the opening of the nose.
From that voice which entereth into the opening of the ears, if it be
necessary (a certain part) entereth into the opening of the eyes, and
these pour forth tears.
From that voice, if it be necessary (a certain part) entereth into the
opening of the nose, and from that voice it produceth smoke and fire.
This is that which is written, Num. xi. 1, “And Tetragrammaton heard, and
His wrath was kindled, and the fire of Tetragrammaton turned against
them.”
And if it be necessary that voice goeth forth into the opening of the
mouth, and it speaketh, and determineth certain things.
From that voice are all things; from that voice (a certain part) entereth
into the whole body, and by it are all things affected. Whence doth this
matter depend? From that ear.
Blessed is he who observeth his words. Therefore is it written, Ps. xxxiv.
13, “Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.”
Unto this ear is attributed hearing, and under (the idea of) hearing are
those brains comprehended.(865)
Chokmah is contained therein, as it is written, 1 Kings iii. 9, “And wilt
Thou give unto Thy servant a hearing heart.”
Binah also, as it is written, 1 Sam. iii. 9, “Speak, for Thy servant
heareth.” Also 2 Kings xviii. 26, “Because we have heard.” And hencefrom
all things depend.
Däath also, as it is said, Prov. iv. 10, “Hear, O my son, and receive My
sayings.” And again, _ibid._ ii. 1, “Thou shalt hide My sayings with
thee.” And thereunto all things depend from the ears.
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