Although it is a repetition, the latter expression is remarkably expanded by the words in him.
This clear theocentric addition demonstrates where the writer’s hope lies. The only real basis for hope is found in God. The meaning of both expressions is the same, but the second one gives more information. In the first instance, the hope also lies in God’s saving actions in the past—this is what the writer remembers. Now, in the second instance, it is God who provides a reliable basis for the hope. The writer’s hope may not be realized that same day, but it provides a reliable view for the future. After all, hope brings a view for the future (see Romans 8:24). Although circumstances do not change immediately, the writer’s outlook has changed. His hopelessness and despair have made room for hope in God. Although his outward circumstances did not change, there is already a glimpse of confidence and tranquillity that touched his inner being – his soul
.1
It is therefore to be noted that this expression completes the writer’s change of attitude. Where he started off with the same soul
in total despair and without hope (see Lamentations 3:17–18), he then expressed hope (Lamentations 3:21), and detailed and developed it further (Lamentations 3:24) as hope in God. The reason for this change in attitude is because the Lord is his portion through his covenantal love and mercies.2
24 “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”