Ministers, Appointees

Each of the 70 nations of the world is guided by a specific שר, ממונה, (ministering angel or spiritual overseer). This concept is rooted in verses such as “When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance… He set the boundaries of the peoples according to the number of the children of Israel” (Deuteronomy 32:8). The Zohar explains that while Hashem is the ultimate ruler over all creation, the nations receive their spiritual vitality through these appointed ministers, who channel divine influence according to each nation’s character, destiny, and spiritual level. These ministers operate within the system of divine governance, administering justice, blessing, or limitation to their respective nations.

Israel, however, is unique. Unlike the 70 nations, Israel has no intermediary minister; their connection is direct to Hashem Himself, as the verse continues: “For Hashem’s portion is His people, Jacob the lot of His inheritance” (Deut. 32:9.). Kabbalah teaches that this direct relationship places Israel under the domain of Zeir Anpin and the Shechinah, rather than under an angelic ruler. The Tzadikim further explain that when the nations act righteously, their ministers receive elevated light, but when they fall into corruption, those same channels become vessels for judgment. In the future redemption, the Zohar describes that these ministers will lose their authority, and all nations will recognize the sovereignty of the One Creator, as divine unity is revealed openly in the world.