thou canst not. This is well explained by Rabbi Jehudah, in Sepher Cosri, 'Of that divine glory mentioned in the scripture, there is one degree which the eyes of the prophets were able to explore; another which all the Israelites saw, as the cloud and consuming fire; the third is so bright, and so dazzling, that no mortal is able to comprehend it; but should anyone venture to look on it, his whole frame would be dissolved.' In such inconceivable splendour is the Divine Majesty revealed to the inhabitants of the celestial world, where he is said to 'dwell in the light which no man can approach unto.' By the 'face of God,' therefore, we are to understand that light inaccessible before which angels may stand, but which would be so insufferable to mortal eyes, that no man could see it and live.

Exodus 24:10 And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone...

Genesis 32:30 And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.

Deuteronomy 5:24 And you said, Behold, the LORD our God has showed us his glory and his greatness...

Judges 6:22 And when Gideon perceived that he was an angel of the LORD, Gideon said, Alas...

Judges 13:22 And Manoah said to his wife, We shall surely die, because we have seen God.

Isaiah 6:5 Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the middle of a people of unclean lips...

John 1:18 No man has seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he has declared him.

1 Timothy 6:16 Who only has immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach to; whom no man has seen, nor can see...

Hebrews 1:13 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool?

Revelation 1:16,17 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two edged sword...