God allows us to feel the sense that he has withdrawn from us so we might gain a greater understanding of our need for him and, in repentance, return to him. Ezra models this for the people as they humble themselves before the Lord.
What does the Bible mean when it says that the Lord hid his face? And why would he do this?
One passage we see this in is Psalm 30, when David says in verses 6–7, “As for me, I said in my prosperity, ‘I shall never be moved.’ By your favor, O LORD, you made my mountain stand strong, you hid your face; I was dismayed.”
In thinking about this, it’s helpful to acknowledge a couple of theological assumptions.
First, we know that God does not have a face. He is a Spirit (John 4:24). The language used here is anthropomorphic. In other words, the Bible is applying human characteristics to God—even though he does not have them—so we can better understand and relate to him.
Second, we know that God is omnipresent (Acts 17:27–28). God is infinite and, therefore, not bound by space, present equally everywhere (Psalm 139:8–9). He can’t be any less anywhere or before anyone.
In what sense then does God hide his face?
It’s a spiritual rather than a physical reality. Theologians talk about God’s covenantal presence with his people. Distinct from his omnipresence, this is his special presence with his people. We see this in the Garden of Eden as God walked with our first parents. We also see it in the Exodus, with the pillar of cloud and fire by night in the wilderness wanderings, as well as his special presence in the tabernacle. And it’s summarized in the familiar benediction, “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace” (Num. 6:24–26).
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