Like a thirsty animal in a dry place, the psalmist thirsts for God, but it is specifically the worship of God in the temple for which he longs (as is implied by “the face,” or presence, of God: [Ps. 42] v 3b).

PETER C. CRAIGIE AND MARVIN TATE, PSALMS 1-50, VOLUME 19: SECOND EDITION (WORD BIBLICAL COMMENTARY), 326.