Psalms 17:15
As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The Psalmist isn't just talking about a future heavenly reward; he's contrasting his ultimate satisfaction with God's likeness to the fleeting satisfactions of his enemies in this life. The key is that "when I awake" points to a transformation into God's image, a profound re-creation that surpasses any worldly fulfillment.
This psalm is a prayer from David, likely during a time of intense persecution by enemies who mock him and seek his downfall. He contrasts his own deep trust in God with the worldly pursuits and fleeting satisfaction of his persecutors. The passage moves from David's plea for deliverance and affirmation of his innocence to a confident declaration of his ultimate hope in God's presence and likeness, looking beyond his present troubles.
David contrasts his deep longing with the fleeting desires of his enemies. What is it that truly satisfies the soul?
A Different Kind of Wealth
David declares, 'As for me, I will behold your face.' This isn't just about seeing God; it's about experiencing His presence, favor, and approval. While his enemies find satisfaction in earthly treasures and fleeting pleasures, David's soul longs for something far greater: direct communion with God.
Righteousness as the Key
But he won't just seek God's face haphazardly. He specifies, 'in righteousness.' This highlights that true intimacy with God isn't separated from moral alignment. It points to a life lived in obedience and integrity, making us fit to approach the holy One. It's a recognition that our standing before God is crucial for experiencing His fullest presence.
David speaks of an 'awakening' that brings ultimate satisfaction. What does this awakening signify, and how does it fulfill our deepest longings?
Beyond Earthly Sleep
The phrase 'when I awake' is profound. Many commentators suggest it refers not to waking up in the morning, but to the ultimate awakening from the sleep of death. It's the moment of resurrection, when David will finally be fully satisfied.
God's Likeness as the Ultimate Goal
This satisfaction comes from being in 'your likeness.' This isn't just about being like God in a superficial way; it's about being restored to His image, reflecting His perfect character. It points to a transformation where our souls are perfectly aligned with His nature, bringing an eternal and complete contentment that nothing else in this world can provide.
Understand the original words
tsedeq · Hebrew Noun
A state of moral integrity or uprightness, specifically being in right standing with God according to His standards and covenant requirements.
temunah · Hebrew Noun
Used to describe the external appearance or the visible form of a person or object; in a theological sense, it often refers to experiencing the manifestation or glory of God.
This passage speaks of Christ transforming our lowly body to be like his glorious body, echoing the psalmist's longing to be satisfied with God's likeness.
1 John 3:2This verse directly connects our future transformation into God's likeness with seeing Him as He is, mirroring the psalmist's ultimate hope for satisfaction in God's image.
1 Corinthians 13:12Paul's statement about seeing 'face to face' in the future, as opposed to seeing 'dimly now,' beautifully aligns with David's anticipation of beholding God's face and being satisfied by His likeness.
John 14:9Jesus tells Philip, 'Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father,' directly linking the vision of God's face with seeing His likeness, as David yearns for here.
Matthew 5:8The Beatitude 'Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God' provides the righteous condition for beholding God's face, which is central to the psalmist's prayer in this verse.
clarkePsalms 17:15: "As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness."
As for me - I cannot be satisfied with such a portion. I will behold thy face - Nothing but an evidence of thy approbation can content my soul. In righteousness - I cannot have thy approbation unless I am conformed to thy will. I must be righteous in order that my heart and life may please thee. I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness - Nothing but God can sat…
poolePsalms 17:15: "As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness."
I do not envy this their felicity, but my hopes and happiness are of another nature. I do not place my portion in earthly and temporal treasures, as they do, but in beholding God’s face , i.e. in the enjoyment of God’s presence and favour; which is indeed enjoyed in part in this life, but not fully and to satisfaction, or which David here speaks, as appears from the last cl…
The Psalmist isn't just talking about a future heavenly reward; he's contrasting his ultimate satisfaction with God's likeness to the fleeting satisfactions of his enemies in this life. The key is that "when I awake" points to a transformation into God's image, a profound re-creation that surpasses any worldly fulfillment.
This psalm is a prayer from David, likely during a time of intense persecution by enemies who mock him and seek his downfall. He contrasts his own deep trust in God with the worldly pursuits and fleeting satisfaction of his persecutors. The passage moves from David's plea for deliverance and affirmation of his innocence to a confident declaration of his ultimate hope in God's presence and likeness, looking beyond his present troubles.
This psalm is a prayer from David, likely during a time of intense persecution by enemies who mock him and seek his downfall. He contrasts his own deep trust in God with the worldly pursuits and fleeting satisfaction of his persecutors. The passage moves from David's plea for deliverance and affirmation of his innocence to a confident declaration of his ultimate hope in God's presence and likeness, looking beyond his present troubles.
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"As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness." — The Psalmist isn't just talking about a future heavenly reward; he's contrasting his ultimate satisfaction with God's likeness to the fleeting satisfactions of his enemies in this life. The key is th…
