Objective:

In this week’s discussion we will explore the mystery of Chesed (Mercy). By considering a passage from Zenock. (this passage follows immediately after the one from last week)

Beads:

Section 6, the fourth bead:

The Mystery of the Perfect Mercy: In teshuvah mankind was offered every tree of the garden to freely eat. Therefore, whence we know good from evil, let us choose to do good.

Passages to Ponder

Zenock 12:24-26

24. ¶ And the Torah does teach us: And YHVH Elohim offered unto the people teshuvah, saying: Of every tree of the garden, thou mayest freely eat. (see 1 Moses 4:24)

25. Wherefore, teshuvah has been given us from the beginning; therefore, whence we know good from evil, let us do good.

26. And this wisdom is the perfect mercy of YHVH, for El Elyon did show unto us to walk upon the way.

1 Moses 6:34-38

34. ¶ And YHVH Elohim, called upon Adam, which is to say mankind, everywhere by Ruach HaKodesh, and offered unto them teshuvah; in tikkun ha-olam;

35. And as many as believed in Yachad and repented of their sins should be saved;

36. And as many as believed not and walked not in teshuvah should be damned.

37. And the Word went forth out of the Mouth of Elohim in a firm decree; wherefore, they must be fulfilled.

38. And the man, Adam, ceased not to call upon Yah; and Eve also, his wife.

Helaman 5:110 [16:1b]

5:110 [16:1b]. And as many as believed on his words went forth and sought for Nephi; and when they had come forth and found him, they confessed unto him their sins and denied not, desiring that they might be baptized unto the Lord.

Questions of Knowledge (What it says at the surface)

• How does Zenock describe the “Teshuvah” that was offered to Mankind?
• What does it say is “the Perfect Mercy of YHVH”?

Questions of Wisdom (What it means below the surface)

• Where is the “mercy” in what is described in this passage? Is it merely “liberty” to try all the different fruits and enjoy life? If it is saying more than that, then what more is it saying?
• How are Mercy and Teshuvah intertwined?

Questions of Understanding (Likening it to Ourselves)

• What experience have you had with this Mercy?

Questions of Mystery (What deeper meaning can be harvested)

• Why are we given the liberty to eat of whatever tree we choose to eat?
• Do we truly have liberty if teshuvah has boundaries we should stay within?