PostalServicio wrote on 26 Dec 2008 22:05:
Question: Does the YH (the angel sent by Hashem) only accomplish its mission when its overcome each time? I thought i remembered reading about this in regards to Yaacov defeating Esav'a angel, and once the angel was defeated it could go back to Shamayim and sing Hashem's praise.
...if so, this is definitely an important insight into the YH to keep in mind when he attacks.
The Zohar gives a parable of a king who wanted to test his son's loyalty, so he paid for a prostitute to try to entice his son. The prostitute will do her best to make the king's son stumble, but deep down she really wants that the king's son should refuse her, for she too is a servant of the king and wants the king to truly be happy.
You are right! It is helpful to remember this parable, and to realize that the Yetzer Hara is also really a servant of Hashem. Deep down, he is happy when you refuse his destructive seducing! Realize that life is all a test of our loyalty, and of how much we are really willing to sacrifice for G-d.