I will see Your face
The phrase "see Your face" is a powerful expression of intimacy and closeness with God. In ancient Near Eastern culture, to see the face of a king or deity was a privilege and a sign of favor. The Hebrew word "paneh" refers to the presence or face of God, symbolizing direct communion and fellowship. This longing to see God's face indicates a desire for a personal and transformative encounter with the divine, which is the ultimate hope and aspiration for the believer.

in righteousness
Righteousness, or "tsedeq" in Hebrew, is a central theme in the Bible, representing moral integrity, justice, and alignment with God's will. The psalmist's confidence in seeing God's face is rooted in righteousness, suggesting that a life lived in accordance with God's standards is essential for experiencing His presence. This underscores the belief that righteousness is not only a moral obligation but also a pathway to divine fellowship and blessing.

When I awake
This phrase can be understood both literally and metaphorically. Literally, it may refer to waking from sleep, symbolizing a new day and renewed opportunities to experience God's presence. Metaphorically, it can be interpreted as awakening to eternal life or spiritual enlightenment. The Hebrew word "qum" implies rising or standing up, suggesting a transition from one state to another. This duality reflects the hope of resurrection and the promise of eternal life for those who trust in God.

I will be satisfied
Satisfaction, or "saba" in Hebrew, conveys a sense of fulfillment and contentment. The psalmist expresses confidence that true satisfaction comes from God alone. This satisfaction is not based on material wealth or earthly success but on the spiritual fulfillment found in God's presence. It highlights the belief that only God can truly satisfy the deepest longings of the human heart, offering peace and contentment that surpasses all earthly pleasures.

with Your likeness
The term "likeness," or "temunah" in Hebrew, refers to an image or representation. In this context, it suggests being conformed to the image of God, reflecting His character and attributes. This aspiration to be like God is a profound expression of spiritual transformation and sanctification. It aligns with the Christian belief in being made in the image of God and the ultimate goal of becoming more Christ-like. The psalmist's desire to be satisfied with God's likeness emphasizes the transformative power of divine presence and the hope of becoming more like Him in character and spirit.

Instead of "likeness," render image, or appearance. But what does the poet mean by the hope of seeking God when he wakes? Some think of rising to peace after a perplexing trouble; others of health after suffering; others of the sunlight of the Divine grace breaking on the soul. But the literal reference to night in Psalm 17:3 seems to ask for the same reference here. Instead of waking to a worldling's hope of a day of feasting and pleasure, the psalmist wakes to the higher and nobler thought that God--who in sleep (so like death, when nothing is visible), has been, as it were, absent--is now again, when he sees once more (LXX.), found at his right hand (comp. end of Psalms 16), a conscious presence to him, assuring him of justice and protection. But as in Psalms 16, so here, we feel that in spite of his subjection to the common notions about death the psalmist may have felt the stirrings of a better hope. Such "cries from the dark," even if they do not prove the possession of a belief in immortality, show how the human heart was already groping its way, however blindly, towards it.

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