The Sefirah of Malkuth, also known as Royalty or Sovereignty, directly relates to the physical and tangible world. In this context, Shiflut, or Humility, is essential for receiving and channeling the higher lights of the other sefirot into the material realm. Humility in Malkuth does not mean self-degradation but a deep recognition of the greatness and majesty of the Divine. It is a state of complete receptivity, where the individual becomes a vessel for the manifestation of the divine in the world.

Shiflut, meaning "humility," is a spiritual state associated with the Sefirah of Malkuth. Unlike Bitul (associated with wisdom), Shiflut does not imply total self-negation but rather the experience of feeling "humble" and "distant" from G-d. In Shiflut, one perceives themselves as existentially separate from G-d and has an inherent awareness of sin, as expressed by King David in Psalms (51:7): "In sin my mother conceived me." Shiflut is a sacred attribute of the Torah that connects consciousness with G-d, and it is said that "G-d is revealed from afar" in this spiritual state. Paradoxically, those who feel "far" from G-d can experience a deeper connection to the divine essence than those who feel "close." This profound sense of humility drives the process of Teshuva (repentance) toward Hashem.

The Psalm cited by David is a key expression of Teshuva in the Bible. According to the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov, the founder of Hasidism, the first step in divine service is to feel an existential identification with the humblest creatures of the Earth and recognize that they fulfill G-d's intentions for them. This recognition inspires the desire to follow their example. Ultimately, deep humility (Shiflut) is the source of the spiritual elevation necessary to lead with wisdom and compassion, as demonstrated by the true king, since the terms "shefel" (humility) and "geut" (elevation) have the same numerical value in gematria, suggesting the relationship between humility and the ability to rise to guide others constructively.

Shiflut, in its purest essence, is reflected in the ability to empty oneself of ego and personal desires, allowing divine will to flow through unhindered. In Qabalah, this quality is crucial for leadership and true royalty. A king, in Qabalistic terms, does not rule by his own power but by the authority and light received from above. Similarly, a person embodying Shiflut is in a position of service, understanding that their power and ability to influence come solely from their connection to the divine source.

In the realm of the sefirot, Malkuth is unique because it has no light of its own; it reflects and channels the lights it receives from the higher sefirot. This principle applies to daily life, where true action and impact come through the ability to receive and transmit divine blessings. Humility, therefore, becomes the foundation upon which a life of meaningful action and service can be built.

Internally, the experience of Shiflut is a journey towards self-nullification and the recognition of total dependence on the divine will. This state of being is not passive; it is an active alignment with the Divine, where every action, thought, and word is infused with the awareness that one is a conduit for something much greater. In this state, the individual does not seek gratitude or recognition from others but finds joy and fulfillment in being part of the divine plan.

The inner motivation of Shiflut is expressed in the soul's power to recognize and accept its place in the cosmos. This power manifests in the ability to act with integrity, justice, and compassion, not for one's own merit, but for the desire to fulfill the divine will. Humility allows the other sefirot to express themselves through the individual, creating a perfect balance between receiving and giving, being a recipient of divine light and a transmitter of that light in the world.

Shiflut in Malkuth represents the pinnacle of humility, where the individual becomes a pure reflection of the divine will, acting in the world with a deep awareness of the greatness of the Divine and the smallness of the human being. This state of humility allows the light of all the higher sefirot to flow into the world, manifesting the fullness and beauty of the divine in the physical realm.