Psalms 131:1-2

Childlike Trust in the LORD.

1

A Song of Ascents, of David.

1 O LORD, my heart is not 1proud, nor my eyes 2haughty; Nor do I involve myself in 3great matters, Or in things 4too difficult for me.
2 Surely * I have 5composed and quieted my soul; Like a weaned 6child rests against his mother, My soul is like a weaned child within me.

Psalms 131:1-2 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 131

\\<>\\. This psalm was written by David in his younger days, before he came to the throne; while he was in Saul's court, or persecuted by him. The occasion of it, as is generally thought, was a calumny cast upon him, as if he had some ill designs against Saul; was ambitious of the crown, and aspiring to the throne, and was plotting and forming measures to get the government into his hand; see 1Sa 24:9,14, 26:18,20; with respect to all which he declares himself as innocent as a weaned child; and was as far from any such ambitious views as he was when in such a state; for the truth of which he appealed to God. Kimchi thinks that David, by his example, taught the Jews how to behave in captivity; that as he behaved, so should they, in great humility. The Syriac inscription is, ``it is said concerning Jesus the son of Josedech the high priest; and concerning humility.'' But the psalm no doubt was written by David of himself.

Cross References 6

  • 1. 2 Samuel 22:28; Psalms 101:5; Isaiah 2:12; Zephaniah 3:11
  • 2. Proverbs 30:13; Isaiah 5:15
  • 3. Jeremiah 45:5; Romans 12:16
  • 4. Job 42:3; Psalms 139:6
  • 5. Psalms 62:1
  • 6. Matthew 18:3; 1 Corinthians 14:20

Footnotes 5

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