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◄ Countenance: Fierce►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical literature, the term "countenance" often refers to the face or expression of a person, which can reveal their inner emotions or intentions. A "fierce countenance" is a phrase used to describe a stern, intense, or threatening facial expression, often associated with anger, determination, or power. This concept appears in various contexts throughout the Bible, illustrating both human and divine attributes.

Old Testament References

The notion of a fierce countenance is notably present in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament. In the book of Daniel, a vision describes a king with a fierce countenance: "In the latter part of their reign, when the transgressors have reached their fullness, a king of fierce countenance, skilled in intrigue, will arise" (Daniel 8:23). This passage is often interpreted as a prophecy concerning a powerful and oppressive ruler, characterized by his intimidating presence and cunning nature.

The fierce countenance is also associated with divine judgment and wrath. InDeuteronomy 28:50, God warns the Israelites of a nation that will come against them as a consequence of their disobedience: "a ruthless nation with no respect for the old and no pity for the young" . The description of this nation implies a fierce and unyielding demeanor, underscoring the severity of the impending judgment.

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not explicitly use the phrase "fierce countenance," the concept can be inferred in descriptions of divine authority and judgment. For instance, in the Book of Revelation, the imagery of Christ's return is depicted with a sense of awe and power: "His eyes were like a blazing fire, and on His head were many crowns" (Revelation 19:12). The intensity of His gaze suggests a fierce countenance, symbolizing His righteous judgment and sovereign authority.

Theological Implications

The depiction of a fierce countenance in the Bible serves as a powerful symbol of authority, judgment, and the seriousness of divine and human interactions. It reflects the gravity of sin and the consequential nature of divine justice. In human terms, a fierce countenance can denote strength and resolve, often seen in leaders or warriors who are determined to fulfill their mission or protect their people.

From a theological perspective, the fierce countenance of God or His appointed agents serves as a reminder of His holiness and the seriousness with which He regards sin and rebellion. It underscores the importance of reverence and obedience to God's commands, as well as the ultimate triumph of His justice and righteousness.

Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 28:50
A nation of fierce countenance, which shall not regard the person of the old, nor show favor to the young:
Nave's Topical Index

Daniel 8:23
And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Antichrist in Daniel
... First, he is "a king offierce countenance." This we believe is a literal description
of his facial expression, though we are satisfied that it also has a...

Book iv Thus Gently Sang the Lady Philosophy with Dignified Mien...
... sang the Lady Philosophy with dignified mien and gravecountenance; and when she...
hedged about with g rim guarding weapons, threatening withfierce glances, and...

Closed Gates
... But really itsfierce look is caused by a false-face that it wears to frighten... the
whole mask comes off in your hands, and there is a kindlycountenance behind...

He Will be an Intellectual Genius
... Again, in Dan.8:23 he is referred to as "A King offierce countenance." who shall
"understand dark sentences." That which baffles others shall be simple to him...

Origin of Idolatry.
... Bacchanalians; hence were invented the gnashing of teeth, and bellowing from the
depth of their bowels; hence a terriblecountenance and afierce aspect in men...

The Fraud, Pride, and Tyrannical Kingdom of Antichrist, as...
... Gabriel, when explaining his vision, states with regard to this person: "And towards
the end of their kingdom a king of a mostfierce countenance shall arise...

Jesus, the Great Object of Astonishment.
... Passion, if it be indulged in, soon sets a seal of deformity upon thecountenance....
some withered beings, whose beauty has been burned up by thefierce fires of...

Psalm CXL.
... Wicked then is every unrighteous man, who must needs be harmful, whether he be gentle
orfierce.... "The upright shall dwell with ThyCountenance." For ill was it...

The Oration of Moses at the Rehearsal of the Blessing and the...
... thee from far, from the end of the earth, as the eagle flieth; a nation whose tongue
thou shalt not understand; a nation offierce countenance, which shall not...

Love Makes Suns
... "So," says Deborah, after thefierce description of... that human eyes on earth saw
Him, the glorified Man Christ Jesus is thus described: 'Hiscountenance was as...