358. That by the “faces falling” is signified that the interiors were changed, is evident from the signification of the “face” and of its “falling.” The face, with the ancients, signified internal things, because internal things shine forth through the face; and in the most ancient times men were such that the face was in perfect accord with the internals, so that from a man’s face everyone could see of what disposition or mind he was. They considered it a monstrous thing to show one thing by the face and think another. Simulation and deceit were then considered detestable, and therefore the things within were signified by the face. When charity shone forth from the face, the face was said to be “lifted up;” and when the contrary occurred, the face was said to “fall;” wherefore it is also predicated of the Lord that He “lifts up His faces upon man” as in the benediction (Numbers 6:26; and in Psalms 4:6), by which is signified that the Lord gives charity to man. What is meant by the “face falling” appears from Jeremiah:

I will not make My face to fall toward you, for I am merciful, saith Jehovah (Jeremiah 3:12).

The “face of Jehovah” is mercy, and when He “lifts up His face” upon anyone, it signifies that out of mercy He gives him charity; and the reverse when He “makes the face to fall” that is, when man’s face falls.