The forehead of the Skull (of Microprosopus) is the forehead for visiting
sinners (otherwise, for rooting out sinners).
And when that forehead is uncovered there are excited the Lords of
Judgments against those who are shameless in their deeds.
This forehead hath a rosy redness. But at that time when the forehead of
the Ancient One is uncovered over against this forehead, the latter
appeareth white as snow.
And that time is called the Time of Grace for all.
In the “Book of the Teaching of the School of Rav Yeyeva the Elder” it is
said: The forehead is according as the forehead(856) of the Ancient One.
Otherwise, the letter _Cheth_, CH, is placed between the other two
letters, according to this passage, Num. xxiv. 17, “VMCHTZ, _Ve-Machetz_,
and shall smite the corners of Moab?”
And we have elsewhere said that it is also called NTZCH, _Netzach_, the
neighboring letters (M and N, neighboring letters in the alphabet, that
is, and allied in sense, for _Mem_ = Water, and _Nun_ = Fish, that which
lives in the water) being counter-changed. (_Netzach_ = Victory, and is
the seventh Sephira.)
But many are the NTZCHIM, _Netzachim_, Victories;(857) so that another
(development of) Netzach may be elevated into another path, and other
Netzachim may be given which are extended throughout the whole body (of
Microprosopus).
But on the day of the Sabbath, at the time of the afternoon prayers, the
forehead of the Most Holy Ancient One is uncovered, so that the judgments
may not be aroused.
And all the judgments are subjected; and although they be there, yet are
they not called forth. (Otherwise, and they are appeased.)
From this forehead depend twenty-four tribunals, for all those who are
shameless in their deeds.
And it is written, Ps. lxxiii. 11: “And they have said, ‘How can El know?
and is there knowledge in the Most High?’ ”
But truly (the tribunals) are only twenty; wherefore are four added?
Assuredly, in respect of the punishments of the inferior tribunals which
depend from the Supernals.
Therefore there remain twenty.(858) And therefore unto none do they
adjudge capital punishment until he shall have fulfilled and reached the
age of twenty years, in respect of these twenty tribunals.
But in our doctrine regarding our Arcana have we taught that the books
which are contained in the Law refer back unto these twenty-four.