Arcana Coelestia#358
358. 'The face 1 falling' means change taking place as to interiors. This is clear from the meaning of 'the face' and from the meaning of 'falling'. Among the ancients the face meant internal things, for it is through the face that internal things shine forth. What is more, people in most ancient times were such that the face was in complete accord with internal things, so that anyone could see from another person's face the character of his disposition or mind (animus aut mens). They considered it something monstrous to express one thing in the face and to be thinking another; pretence and deceit in those times were abhorrent. Consequently the face meant things that were internal. When charity shone out of the face, the face was said to be 'lifted up', but when the reverse happened the face was said to 'fall'. This also explains why the Lord is referred to as lifting up His face upon man, as in the Blessing in Numbers 6:26 and Psalms 4:6, which means the Lord's gift of charity to man. What 'the falling of the face' means is clear in Jeremiah,
I will not cause My face to fall upon you, for I am merciful, said Jehovah. Jeremiah 3:12.
By 'Jehovah's face' is meant mercy. When He 'lifts up His face' on anyone, He is from His mercy imparting charity to him. The reverse is the case when He 'causes His face to fall', that is, when man's face falls.
脚注:
1. literally, faces
Psalms第4章
1
Answer me when I call, God of my righteousness. Give me relief from my distress. Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.
2
You sons of men, how long shall my glory be turned into dishonor? Will you love vanity, and seek after falsehood? Selah.
3
But know that Yahweh has set apart for himself him who is godly: Yahweh will hear when I call to him.
4
Stand in awe, and don't sin. Search your own heart on your bed, and be still. Selah.
5
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness. Put your trust in Yahweh.
6
Many say, "Who will show us any good?" Yahweh, let the light of your face shine on us.
7
You have put gladness in my heart, more than when their grain and their new wine are increased.
8
In peace I will both lay myself down and sleep, for you, Yahweh alone, make me live in safety. For the Chief Musician, with the flutes. A Psalm by David.
