The pilgrims catch the first glimpse of the city toward which their faces are set. The journey is not ended, but from some vantage ground there in the distance is seen the home of the heart. It is founded upon rock, and stands out in all the majesty and strength of its assured position. Round about it are the mountains, guarding it against it foes. Over it is the throne of God, ensuring a government which gives the righteous their opportunity. It is an ideal picture, but a true one as to Divine intention.
Yet it is not of the material fact that the pilgrims sing. All that is but a symbol of the safety and protection and government of the trusting people. Jehovah is their rock foundation, their encompassing protection, their enthroned King. In Him is all their strength and confidence, and on the pathway, with the city seen afar, of Him they sing.
The song merges into a prayer that He will exercise on their behalf all that guidance and deliverance in which they make their boast. As in the previous song they looked back to that from which they had escaped, in this they look forward to that to which they go; and in each case their song is of Jehovah. This is true retrospect and prospect, and both minister to the strength of pilgrimage.