Psalm 42:2

2 I thirst for the living God. When can I go to meet with him?

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 thirsts for streams of water, so I thirst for you, God.

2 I thirst for the living God. When can I go to meet with him?

3 Day and night, my tears have been my food. People are always saying, "Where is your God?"

4 When I remember these things, I speak with a broken heart. I used to walk with the crowd and lead them to God's Temple with songs of praise.

5 Why am I so sad? Why am I so upset? and keep praising him, my Savior and