In general terms, this can be explained as follows: The name Midian is etymologically related to the word iusn,[16] meaning strife and contention. [In a personal sense,] the kelipah of Midian expresses itself through separation and division, baseless hatred and disunity between hearts; this is the exact opposite of the side of holiness, which is characterized by unity. This is, in fact, the principal difference between holiness and the sitra achra [lit., "the other side"; a Kabbalistic term for evil]. Holiness is unification, [as exemplified by] the unity of the Name Havayah, which stands for the unity and synthesis of the attributes of both the intellect and emotions as they exist in the realm of holiness. Although there are ten [distinct] Sefiros, [comprising both] mochin [the intellectual attributes] and middos [the emotional attributes], they are nevertheless unified and combined together [harmoniously and] perfectly. This is the nature of the Name Havayah. It unifies and combines the Sefiros in total oneness, in contrast to kelipah which is rooted in separation and division.

[This contrast is exemplified in an expression used by Yaakov, the prototype of holiness, as opposed to that used by Esav, the prototype of evil.] Yaakov declared, "I have kol ('all'),"[17] a term which implies hiskalelus (lit., "mutual incorporation"). Esav, by contrast, used the expression, "I have rav ('much')."[18] [The word] rav is related to [the word] ribui, meaning multiplicity and separateness. Therefore, although there were seventy souls in the family of Yaakov,[19] the singular form of the word "soul" (nefesh) is used to describe them.[20]

In the realm of holiness, even though there are ten Sefiros consisting of three intellectual attributes and seven emotive attributes, they are, nonetheless, absolutely unified. [These attributes are personified in] the seventy descendants of Yaakov. There are seven emotive attributes, each comprising ten [particular qualities - totaling seventy, but still absolutely unified]. In contrast, though Esav's descendants number only six, the plural ("souls") is used,[21] for they represent separateness and divisiveness.

[This idea can be understood by referring to the concepts of the spiritual worlds of Tohu and Tikkun.] Tohu, the source [of Esav, represents the realm of separation; hence, the Kabbalah refers to] the Sefiros of Tohu as "separate branches." In Tohu the middos (emotive attributes) could not tolerate one another; Chessed (kindness) could not tolerate the trait of Gevurah (severity), nor could Gevurah tolerate the trait of Chessed. [The Kabbalah explains that] because of this lack of unity "the vessels" of the realm of Tohu "were shattered"; from this [spiritual intolerance] resulted the division found in the realm of evil and kelipah. For this reason, the kings of Edom [who were the physical counterparts of these spiritual forces] successively "reigned and died."[22]

The kelipah of Midian is strife, contention, and separateness. This is the general principle behind what "fell" in the "shattering" of Tohu, in which the emotive attributes were discordant. Midian is not included among the seven nations - the Canaanites, Hittites, and so on, for each of these nations represents one specific attribute of Tohu: the Canaanites - Chessed, the Hittites - Gevurah, and so on, as discussed in Kehilas Yaakov. Each is a specific kelipah of a specific attribute of Tohu and opposes a specific attribute of holiness. The kelipah of Midian, by contrast, is not of a specific [nature. It does not represent one single] attribute of Tohu, but rather the entire realm, [and hence,] its characteristically "separate branches." This division is the primary reason for "the shattering of the vessels" of Tohu which, through a chain of progressive descent (hishtalshelus), gave rise to the seven evil emotive attributes. Thus the kelipah of Midian in this world is not included among the seven nations, for it is not an individual quality, but rather the general condition of Tohu, which is divisive. It is [not an effect of the "shattering" but] the root and source of the "shattering."

Summary: The kelipah of Midian is strife and baseless hatred; the seven nations represent the seven specific middos.

   

Notes:

16. (Back to text) See Zohar II, 68a; Likkutei Torah and Sefer HaLikkutim, beginning of Parshas Yisro (quoted in Mikdash Melech there): "Midian...in holiness is love, in kelipah is hatred and contention."

17. (Back to text) [Bereishis 33:11.]

18. (Back to text) [Ibid. 33:9.]

19. (Back to text) See Vayikra Rabbah 4:6, quoted in Rashi on Bereishis 46:27.

20. (Back to text) [Bereishis 46:27.]

21. (Back to text) [Ibid. 36:6.]

22. (Back to text) [Ibid. 36:31-39.]