218. “This is that which is written, and let fowl, etc.” This is [the meaning of] that which is stated: “And let fowl fly above the earth” [Genesis 1:20]. The Torah, which is called “water” [see Bava Kamma 17a], should swarm and produce the rustle of living creatures; from the place of that creature, which is Malkhut, they should draw it below, as we learned. With regard to this, David stated: “Create for me a pure heart, O God,” to engage in the Torah, and then: “Renew a steadfast spirit within me” [Psalms 50:12].

Explanation: Here [the Zohar] returns to interpret the verse. “Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures.” [The Zohar] states that this “water” is Torah. “Swarm” means that [the Torah] should produce a living creature nefesh ḥaya, “from the place of that creature, they should draw it below.” That is, they should draw this soul [nefesh] from the higher Nukba, which is called ḥaya, and from that [Nukba], draw [that nefesh] into this world.

“With regard to this, David stated: ‘Create for me a pure heart, O God, ’ to engage in the Torah.” He asked God to give him a pure heart to engage in Torah and to raise feminine waters. “And then: ‘Renew a steadfast spirit within me, ’” for he will then merit to draw forth the right spirit and he will be able to cleave to [God, ] blessed be He.