Daily Zohar # 5116 – Vayikra – Rabbi Shimon and the snake

Hebrew translation:

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Zohar Vayikra
Continued from previous DZ
#242
While they were walking in that vineyard, they saw a snake coming, its mouth open, licking the earth. Rabbi Shimon became distressed, and he struck his hands on the head of the snake. The snake became quiet and lowered its mouth. Rabbi Shimon saw its tongue flickering. He said to it: Snake, snake, go and tell that supernal snake — the tempter and the accuser — that Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai is present in the world.
The snake put its head into a hole in the dust. Rabbi Shimon said: I decree that just as the lower snake returned to the hole of the dust, so shall the supernal snake return to the hole of the great abyss (תְּהוֹם רַבָּה).
Notes:
Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai encounters a poisonous snake while walking with his son. Through the power of his holiness and decree, he subdues the lower snake and commands it to deliver a message to the supernal serpent — Sam-el. Rabbi Shimon’s declaration forces the upper serpent back into the great abyss, nullifying the threat. This story illustrates the immense authority of the true tzaddik: his mere presence in the world restrains harsh forces and judgments, and his word has the power to reverse supernal decrees. It reinforces the earlier teaching that a great tzaddik like Rabbi Shimon serves as a living shield for the world, capable of protecting creation through his merit and direct spiritual intervention.
#243
Rabbi Shimon whispered in prayer. While they were praying, they heard a voice saying, “The decrees have been annulled — return to your places.” The blows of the destroyers no longer rule in the world, for Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai has nullified them. Fortunate are you, Rabbi Shimon, that your Master desires your honor more than all the people of the world.
Concerning Moshe, it is written “וַיְחַל מֹשֶׁה” “And Moshe entreated,” which implies that he grasped a pardon. But you, Rabbi Shimon — you decree and the Holy One, blessed be He, fulfills; He decrees, and you nullify.
Notes:
While Rabbi Shimon was praying, a heavenly voice announced that all harsh decrees had been canceled because of his merit and that the forces of destruction no longer held power in the world. The voice praised him, saying that Hashem desires Rabbi Shimon’s honor even more than that of the rest of the world. The Zohar contrasts this with Moshe, who had to entreat and plead for forgiveness. Rabbi Shimon, however, possesses such a stature that he decrees and Hashem fulfills, while Hashem’s decrees he can nullify. This story dramatically demonstrates the supreme spiritual authority of the true tzaddik — his prayer and presence can annul heavenly judgments and protect the entire generation.

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