Psalms 63:2

Authorized King James Version

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To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.

Original Language Analysis

כֵּ֭ן H3651
כֵּ֭ן
Strong's: H3651
Word #: 1 of 6
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
בַּקֹּ֣דֶשׁ thee in the sanctuary H6944
בַּקֹּ֣דֶשׁ thee in the sanctuary
Strong's: H6944
Word #: 2 of 6
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
חֲזִיתִ֑ךָ so as I have seen H2372
חֲזִיתִ֑ךָ so as I have seen
Strong's: H2372
Word #: 3 of 6
to gaze at; mentally to perceive, contemplate (with pleasure); specifically, to have a vision of
לִרְא֥וֹת To see H7200
לִרְא֥וֹת To see
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 4 of 6
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
עֻ֝זְּךָ֗ thy power H5797
עֻ֝זְּךָ֗ thy power
Strong's: H5797
Word #: 5 of 6
strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)
וּכְבוֹדֶֽךָ׃ and thy glory H3519
וּכְבוֹדֶֽךָ׃ and thy glory
Strong's: H3519
Word #: 6 of 6
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

Analysis & Commentary

David's seeing God 'in the sanctuary' connects thirst (v. 1) to worship. The desire to behold God's 'power and glory' indicates that true worship seeks God Himself, not merely blessings. This anticipates Christ's teaching that true worshipers worship in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24), where seeing God's glory becomes the soul's ultimate satisfaction.

Historical Context

The superscription places this in the wilderness of Judah, likely during Absalom's rebellion when David lacked access to the tabernacle. His longing for the sanctuary demonstrates that exile from formal worship intensifies spiritual hunger.

Questions for Reflection