Here, as though the decree for deliverance had just been published, the Israelite looks to God for the expected journey, and receives an answer of peace. And what different company is this for the poor Israel of God! In the tents of Kedar before, he had the false tongue against him; now, on the journey home, he looks for his watchful Lord. It was not to be the ancient glory of the manifested Pillar guiding him, but still there was equal care and certainty from the eye of the wakeful Shepherd of His people—wakeful though unseen.
And the promises here made are still for the returning Israel in the latter day. (See Isa. 49:9-10.)
Psalm 121:1 leads me to say this—that we should accustom our souls to look more at our resources than at our exigencies or difficulties. “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help.” The Lord commands this; as, for instance, in Deuteronomy 7:17-19. And what is Romans 8:31-39, but the saint boasting in his resources in the face of all exigencies? We should make our hearts familiar with the promises and provisions of grace, so that when the occasion arises, we may enter the field of battle, like Jehoshaphat’s army, with the sweet voice of these promises, like instruments of music, in our ear, and be led onward in that joy to victory. For “joy is strength,” as Nehemiah told the congregation (Neh. 8:10).
Psalm 121:3-8 seem to be the language of a divine oracle delivered in answer to the faith expressed in Psalm 121:1-2.