Psalms 63:2

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

Psalms 63:2 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 63 is attributed to King David, who wrote it while in the wilderness of Judah, likely during a time of distress, possibly when fleeing from King Saul or from his son Absalom. The psalm opens with David’s deep longing for God, as he thirsts for Him in a dry and weary land. This verse continues that longing, as David remembers a past experience of seeing God’s power and glory in the sanctuary.

Meaning

The power of God refers to His mighty acts, His strength, and His ability to work wonders. The glory of God refers to His splendour, magnificence, and the revelation of His divine attributes. David desires to witness these firsthand, just as he had in the sanctuary. The sanctuary was the holy place where God’s presence dwelled, particularly the tabernacle or later the temple. It was the centre of Israel’s worship, where sacrifices were offered and God’s presence was experienced.

David’s memory of encountering God in the sanctuary fuels his present desire. He does not merely recall a past event; he longs to see God again in the same way. This memory becomes a source of hope and strength in his current desolation. The verse can also be understood as pointing to the ark of the covenant, the symbol of God’s presence and glory, or as pointing to Christ, who is the power and wisdom of God.

Biblical connections

In the New Testament, believers are described as the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16). Through Jesus Christ, we have access to God’s presence anytime, anywhere. The same power and glory that David saw in the sanctuary are now made available to us through the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Application

Like David, we may experience wilderness seasons, times of spiritual dryness, or moments of distress. During such times, it is crucial to seek God wholeheartedly and earnestly long for His presence. We can draw near to Him through prayer, worship, and studying His Word. Just as David sought to see God’s power and glory, we can also seek to experience God’s presence and witness His mighty works in our lives.

Remembering past encounters with God is a foundation for present faith. When we recall how God has revealed His power and glory before, we gain courage to trust Him again. We can experience His power and glory through the work of the Holy Spirit, the study of Scripture, fellowship with other believers, and a vibrant prayer life.

Reflection

David’s longing points to a deeper truth: our ultimate satisfaction is found in seeing God’s glory. This desire is fulfilled perfectly in Christ, who reveals the Father’s glory, and will be fully realised in the sanctuary of heaven. Until then, we are invited to seek His presence daily, remembering His faithfulness and trusting that He will reveal Himself to those who earnestly seek Him.