Psalm 42:2

2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When may I come to see God's face?

Psalm 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 ) .

Psalm 42:2 In-Context

1 As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God.

2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When may I come to see God's face?

3 My tears are my food day and night. People ask me all day long, "Where is your God?"

4 I will remember these things as I pour out my soul: how I used to walk with the crowd and lead it in a procession to God's house. [I sang] songs of joy and thanksgiving while crowds of people celebrated a festival.

5 Why are you discouraged, my soul? Why are you so restless? Put your hope in God, because I will still praise him. He is my savior and my God.