Psalms 63:2

Psalm 63:2 (KJV): "To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary."

Context of Psalm 63:2

Psalm 63 is a deeply personal and passionate psalm attributed to King David, composed while he was in the wilderness of Judah. This desolate environment, likely during a period of intense distress (perhaps fleeing from King Saul or his son Absalom), provides a stark backdrop for his profound spiritual longing. Having declared his soul's thirst for God in the previous verse, David here articulates the specific object of his intense desire: to experience God's manifest presence, power, and glory once more, just as he had in the holy place.

Key Themes and Messages

• Intense Spiritual Hunger: David's desire transcends mere physical needs; it is a deep, soul-level yearning to encounter God. This verse expresses a spiritual hunger that parallels the body's need for water in a dry land, highlighting that true satisfaction comes from God alone.
• Remembrance of Past Encounters: The phrase "so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary" is crucial. It reveals that David's longing is fueled by vivid memories of past, powerful encounters with God in the tabernacle or temple. He yearns for a repeat of those intimate and awe-inspiring experiences of God's presence.
• The Sanctuary as a Place of Revelation: For ancient Israel, the sanctuary (tabernacle or later the temple) was the designated place where God's presence, power, and glory were uniquely revealed to His people. David recalls this special communion, even when physically separated from it.
• Desire for God's Manifest Presence: David doesn't merely want to know about God; he wants to see (experience) His power (Hebrew: ‘oz, signifying strength, might, divine ability) and glory (Hebrew: kavod, denoting God's weighty presence, honor, majesty, and visible manifestation of His character). This speaks to a longing for an active, palpable demonstration of God's divine attributes.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms used here emphasize the depth of David's longing. "Power" (‘oz) often denotes God's strength and ability to deliver and sustain, while "glory" (kavod) points to His inherent majesty and the visible manifestation of His divine nature. The "sanctuary" (qodesh or miqdash) was not just a building, but a consecrated space where God's presence dwelt among His people, as seen in Exodus 40:34 when the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle.

Practical Application

Psalm 63:2 offers profound lessons for believers today:

• Prioritize God's Presence: Like David, our deepest desire should be for God Himself, not just His blessings. This verse encourages us to cultivate a profound spiritual hunger for God's kingdom and righteousness above all else.
• Remember Past Grace: When we face difficult "wilderness" seasons, recalling how God has manifested His power and glory in our lives or in corporate worship can strengthen our faith and fuel our longing for His continued presence.
• Seek God in Every Circumstance: David sought God even when physically removed from the sanctuary. This reminds us that while corporate worship is vital, our personal pursuit of God's presence can happen anywhere, at any time, as we draw near to Him through prayer, study, and meditation.
• Long for Revelation: We should desire to see and experience God's power working in our lives and His glory revealed in creation and in the Church, just as David longed to dwell in the house of the Lord and behold His beauty.