In moments of deep crisis and distance from God, the human soul often turns to memories of the past. These reflections serve both to highlight the sharp pain of the present and to offer a glimmer of comfort. Currently, the soul is weighed down, humbled, and brought low by the intense hardships and suffering of exile [ביאור שטיינזלץ, מאירי].
From this state of sadness, geographic and historical memories of a closer relationship with God begin to surface. The primary approach among commentators is that these memories reflect a deep longing for the joyous times of pilgrimage to the Temple. The specific locations brought to mind, such as the land of Jordan, the peaks of Hermon, and Mount Mizar, represent the farthest northern and eastern borders of the Land of Israel. The poet fondly recalls the days when travelers would journey from these distant edges of the land all the way to the Temple [רד״ק, אבן עזרא, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Following this line of thought, Mizar is simply understood as the name of a small mountain in that northern region [מצודת ציון, אבן עזרא].
On the other hand, a different perspective views the mention of these locations as a reminder of historical miracles and God's enduring mercy. The Jordan evokes the memory of the river splitting, while the Hermon region recalls the great victories over powerful kings, such as Sihon and Og, who ruled from heavily fortified mountain cities. God helped the Israelites conquer these fierce enemies, reducing their massive strength into something small and insignificant [מאירי, מלבי״ם]. Furthermore, these historical reflections emphasize that God performed these miracles despite the people's wrongdoings. He brought the nation across the Jordan despite their earlier sins at Shittim, and He granted them victory in the Hermon region despite their constant rebellions in the desert [רש״י, אלשיך].
Because of this focus on undeserved mercy, the concept of a small mountain takes on a deeper symbolic meaning. Some identify this small mountain as Mount Sinai, which is considered modest compared to other peaks, where God forgave the terrible sin of the Golden Calf [רש״י]. Others suggest it refers to a minor peak near Mount Hor, where the Israelites sinned yet were still granted continued military success [אלשיך].
By weaving these thoughts together, a picture of a complex emotional struggle emerges. The poet reminds himself of how God acted as a deeply compassionate father in the past, forgiving grave sins and performing wonders. Drawing strength from these memories, he builds his trust in God and pleads for an immediate end to the exile, holding onto hope even when his current reality appears entirely dark [אלשיך, מאירי].