Topical Encyclopedia The face, as a part of the head, holds significant symbolic and literal importance throughout the Bible. It is often associated with identity, presence, and divine interaction. The face is frequently mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments, serving as a focal point for expressions of emotion, communication, and spiritual encounters.Divine Presence and Favor The face is often used metaphorically to represent God's presence and favor. In the Aaronic blessing, the face of God is invoked as a source of blessing and peace: "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace" (Numbers 6:24-26). Here, the shining face of God symbolizes His grace and benevolence towards His people. Seeking God's Face Seeking the face of God is a recurring theme in Scripture, denoting a desire for a deeper relationship and understanding of the divine. Psalm 27:8 states, "My heart says, 'Seek His face.' Your face, LORD, I will seek." This pursuit of God's face reflects a longing for His guidance, presence, and approval. Expressions of Emotion The face is a primary means of expressing emotions and intentions. In Genesis 4:5-6 , Cain's countenance falls, indicating his anger and dejection after God rejects his offering. Similarly, the face can reflect joy and contentment, as seen in Proverbs 15:13 : "A joyful heart makes a cheerful countenance, but sorrow of the heart crushes the spirit." Human Interaction and Recognition The face is crucial for human interaction and recognition. In the account of Jacob and Esau, Jacob sends gifts ahead to appease Esau, hoping to "see his face" in peace (Genesis 32:20). This encounter underscores the face as a medium for reconciliation and acceptance. Veiling and Unveiling The concept of veiling the face appears in several biblical narratives, often signifying humility, reverence, or concealment. Moses veils his face after speaking with God, as his face shines with divine glory (Exodus 34:33-35). Conversely, the unveiling of the face can symbolize revelation and openness, as seen in 2 Corinthians 3:18 : "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory." Judgment and Shame The face can also be associated with judgment and shame. In Isaiah 3:9 , the expression on the faces of the people testifies against them, revealing their sinfulness: "The expression on their faces testifies against them, and like Sodom, they flaunt their sin; they do not conceal it. Woe to them, for they have brought disaster upon themselves." Conclusion Throughout the Bible, the face serves as a powerful symbol of divine-human interaction, emotional expression, and personal identity. It is a conduit for blessing, a reflection of inner states, and a medium for communication with both God and fellow humans. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 48:12And Joseph brought them out from between his knees, and he bowed himself with his face to the earth. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 9:30 Library Whether the Parts of Fortitude are Suitably Assigned? The Parts of the World in which the Apostles Preached We Arrive Now at a Branch of Our Subject Upon which the Lord's ... The World, Created by God, Still Cherished and Protected by Him. ... Psalm XLVIII. The Exalted One. The Tenth Chapter of the Gospel of John. Of the Shepherd, and the ... St. Bernard (Ad 1091-1153) Devout Customs and Usages The Scourging of Jesus. Resources Are there beheadings recorded in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about wearing hats in church? | GotQuestions.org What is the Holy See? | GotQuestions.org Head: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Head in Grief: Sprinkled With Dust Head in Grief: The Hands Placed On Head of Criminals often Cut off Head of Enemies Slain in War, often Cut off Head of the Chief City of a Kingdom Head of the Leper Always Uncovered Head of Women Generally Covered in Public Head: (Anointed) of Joy and Prosperity Head: (Covered) of Defence and Protection Head: (Lifted Up) of Exaltation Head: (Lifted Up) of Joy and Confidence Head: (Made Bald) of Heavy Judgments Head: All the Other Members Necessary To Head: Bowed Down in Worshipping God Head: Bowed Down: As a Token of Respect Head: Derision Expressed by Shaking Head: Liable to Internal Disease Head: Nazarites Forbidden to Shave Head: Parts of Mentioned: The Crown Head: Parts of Mentioned: The Face Head: Parts of Mentioned: The Forehead Head: Parts of Mentioned: The Hair Head: Parts of Mentioned: The Scalp Head: Parts of Mentioned: The Skull Head: Parts of Mentioned: The Temples Head: Priests Forbidden to Shave Head: Put for the Whole Person Head: Shaven when Vows Were Taken Head: The Body Supported and Supplied By Head: The Jews Censured for Swearing By Head: The Uppermost and Chief Member of the Body Head: when Hoary With Age to be Respected Related Terms |
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