Concerning this our Sages of blessed memory said, "Originally it arose in [G‑d's] thought to create the world with the attribute of stern judgement; He saw, however, that the world could not endure, [so] He combined with it the attribute of mercy," that is, the revelation of G‑dliness through the Tzaddikim and the signs and miracles recorded in the Torah. And regarding this, it was stated in the Zohar, "Above, in the 'Side of Supernal Holiness,' there is right and left," namely, Chesed and Gevurah.

This means that both are attributes of G‑dliness, above the intellect and comprehension of the creatures, for "He and His attributes are One in the world of Atzilut." Even the comprehension of Moses, our teacher, peace unto him, in his prophetic vision, was not in the world of Atzilut [itself], but only as it [ Atzilut ] becomes clothed in the world of Beriah; and even then, was not of these two attributes, Chesed and Gevurah, but only as they become clothed in attributes which are of lower levels than they: the attributes of Netzach (victory, eternity), Hod (majesty) and Yesod(foundation).