Face

means simply presence, as when it is recorded that Adam and Eve hid themselves from the "face [RSV, 'presence'] of the Lord God" ( Genesis 3:8 ; Compare Exodus 33:14 Exodus 33:15 , where the same Hebrew word is rendered "presence"). The "light of God's countenance" is his favour ( Psalms 44:3 ; Daniel 9:17 ). "Face" signifies also anger, justice, severity ( Genesis 16:6 Genesis 16:8 ; Exodus 2:15 ; Psalms 68:1 ; Revelation 6:16 ). To "provoke God to his face" ( Isaiah 65:3 ) is to sin against him openly.

The Jews prayed with their faces toward the temple and Jerusalem ( 1 Kings 8:38 1 Kings 8:44 1 Kings 8:48 ; Daniel 6:10 ). To "see God's face" is to have access to him and to enjoy his favour ( Psalms 17:15 ; 27:8 ). This is the privilege of holy angels ( Matthew 18:10 ; Luke 1:19 ). The "face of Jesus Christ" ( 2 Corinthians 4:6 ) is the office and person of Christ, the revealer of the glory of God ( John 1:14 John 1:18 ).