Psalms 42:2

2 My soul is dry for need of God, the living God; when may I come and see the face of God?

Psalms 42:2 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 42:2

My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God
Who is so called, in opposition to the idols of the Gentiles, which were lifeless statues; and who is the author, giver, and maintainer of natural life; and who has promised and provided eternal life in his Son; and is himself the fountain of life, and the fountain of living waters, and a place of broad rivers and streams: particularly his lovingkindness, which is better than life, is a pure river of water of life, the streams where make glad the saints; and hence it is that the psalmist thirsted after God, and the discoveries of his love: saying,

when shall I come and appear before God?
meaning, not in heaven, as desiring the beatific vision; but in the tabernacle, where were the worship of God, and the ark, the symbol of the divine Presence, and where the Israelites appeared before him, even in Zion; see ( Psalms 84:7 ) .

Psalms 42:2 In-Context

1 Like the desire of the roe for the water-streams, so is my soul's desire for you, O God.

2 My soul is dry for need of God, the living God; when may I come and see the face of God?

3 My tears have been my food day and night, while they keep saying to me, Where is your God?

4 Let my soul be overflowing with grief when these things come back to my mind, how I went in company to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with the song of those who were keeping the feast.

5 Why are you crushed down, O my soul? and why are you troubled in me? put your hope in God; for I will again give him praise who is my help and my God.