Psalms 42:2

2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; when shall I come and appear before 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 As the hart pants after the water brooks, so does my soul pant after thee, O God.

2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; when shall I come and appear before God?

3 My tears have been my food day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?

4 I will remember these things; I will pour out my soul in me. When I shall be included in the number; I will go with them to the house of God with voice of joy and praise, dancing in the multitude.

5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted against me? Wait thou for God, for I shall yet praise him for the wellbeing of his presence.