Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the covering of the face held significant cultural and religious connotations. The act of covering one's face is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Scriptures, often symbolizing humility, reverence, or mourning.Humility and Reverence One of the most notable instances of face covering in the Bible is found in the context of divine encounters. In Exodus 3:6, when Moses encounters God in the burning bush, he hides his face because he is afraid to look at God: "Then He said, 'I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' At this, Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God" . This act of covering the face signifies a deep sense of reverence and recognition of God's holiness. Similarly, in Isaiah 6:2, the seraphim in the heavenly vision cover their faces with their wings in the presence of the Lord: "Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying" . This imagery underscores the overwhelming glory and majesty of God, before whom even the heavenly beings show reverence. Mourning and Shame Covering the face is also associated with mourning and shame. In 2 Samuel 15:30, as David flees from Absalom, he ascends the Mount of Olives weeping, with his head covered: "But David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went, his head covered and his feet bare. And all the people with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they went" . The covering of the head and face here is an expression of deep sorrow and lamentation. In Esther 6:12, Haman covers his head in shame after being humiliated: "Afterward, Mordecai returned to the king’s gate. But Haman rushed home, with his head covered in grief" . This act symbolizes his disgrace and the reversal of his fortunes. Cultural Practices The covering of the face can also be seen in cultural practices related to modesty and propriety. In Genesis 24:65, Rebekah covers herself with a veil upon meeting Isaac: "and asked the servant, 'Who is that man in the field coming to meet us?' 'It is my master,' the servant answered. So she took her veil and covered herself" . This act of veiling is indicative of the customs surrounding betrothal and marriage, reflecting modesty and respect. Prophetic Symbolism In some prophetic contexts, the covering of the face serves as a symbolic act. Ezekiel 12:6 describes a prophetic sign where Ezekiel is instructed to cover his face: "As they watch, lift your baggage onto your shoulder and carry it out in the dark. Cover your face so that you cannot see the land, for I have made you a sign to the house of Israel" . This action symbolizes the impending exile and the blindness of the people to their spiritual condition. Throughout the Bible, the covering of the face is a multifaceted symbol, representing humility, reverence, mourning, shame, cultural customs, and prophetic messages. Each instance provides insight into the spiritual and cultural dynamics of the biblical narrative. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 6:2Above it stood the seraphim: each one had six wings; with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he did fly. Nave's Topical Index Greek 2571. kalumma -- a covering ... Transliteration: kalumma Phonetic Spelling: (kal'-oo-mah) Short Definition: a veil Definition: a covering, especially a covering of head and face, a veil. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2571.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 6440. panim -- face, faces... condition (1), confront* (1), corresponding* (2), countenance (12), covering* (1), defer ... east* (6), edge (2), entertained* (1), expected* (1), face (259), face ... /hebrew/6440.htm - 8k Library The Veil Over all Nations Isaiah was Sent by the Spirit, and Accordingly the Same Spirit was ... Among the People, and with the Pharisees The Knowledge of God While Vergilius, Going Slowly, was Thinking of These Things... 'In this Mountain' Before Caiaphas What the Scriptures Teach us to Believe Concerning the Creation of ... 'Clear Shining after Rain' Chapter viii Resources What trials did Jesus face before His crucifixion? | GotQuestions.orgWhy do I face the consequences of Adam's sin when I did not eat the fruit? | GotQuestions.org Has anyone ever seen God? | GotQuestions.org Face: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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