The Psalmist draws a comparison between the hope for God’s appearance and the anticipation of the night-watchmen for the dawn illustrating emotional stress and insecurity, God’s “hidden” state, and the tremendous significance of God’s revelation.  

The command to Israel, at the beginning of the final stanza comes as a surprise. The first three stanzas of this psalm are stamped with the individual personality who stands before God, waiting and hoping for Him. From this point forward, the individual worshipper is included amongst all of Israel, and his own waiting and hoping becomes part of theirs. His confidence in God’s response to them now includes himself. With regard to the nation, there is no doubt as to God’s positive response, bestowing His kindness of forgiveness and redemption from sins.

Courtesy of the Virtual Beit Midrash, Yeshivat Har Etzion