1. Psalm 17:15 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What does it mean to behold the face of the Lord?

Psalm 17:15 (ESV)

15 As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.

It might almost sound as if this verse is in conflict with a passage like Exodus 33:20, which says that no one can see God. But David is not talking about physically seeing the Lord. Rather, he is talking about having access to the Lord’s presence and enjoying his divine blessing (Psalm 11:7; Numbers 6:22–27; Job 33:26).