The Face of the Lord: Contemplating the Divine Son Through the Four Senses of Sacred Scripture

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Is it possible to "see God"? A close examination of the Bible reveals that this question is more complex than it seems. Following previous works, this conclusion to the trilogy delves into whether one can truly see God. Author Steven C. Smith frames the question and cites scriptural examples, guiding readers through the literal and spiritual meanings of biblical interpretation. His thesis posits that the various "senses" of scripture serve as pathways toward understanding the divine. Smith explores five Old Testament theophany scenes, starting with Jacob's "wrestling" with God and ending with Job's encounter with the Voice from the Whirlwind. These episodes encompass the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings. Like his earlier books, this work meticulously examines each biblical narrative through Literal, Allegorical, Tropological (Moral), and Anagogical (Heavenly) senses. Smith engages with a wide array of literature, from ancient Jewish texts to Christian medieval scholars and modern theologians, while maintaining focus on the central question: Can we see God? The result is a fresh and robust exploration of Sacred Scripture, drawing on ancient, medieval, and contemporary exegesis to address this intriguing biblical inquiry.