Psalms 131:1-7

1 canticum graduum memento Domine David et omnis mansuetudinis eius
2 sicut iuravit Domino votum vovit Deo Iacob
3 si introiero in tabernaculum domus meae si ascendero in lectum strati mei
4 si dedero somnum oculis meis et palpebris meis dormitationem
5 et requiem temporibus meis donec inveniam locum Domino tabernaculum Deo Iacob
6 ecce audivimus eam in Efrata invenimus eam in campis silvae
7 introibimus in tabernacula eius adorabimus in loco ubi steterunt pedes eius

Psalms 131:1-7 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.

The Latin Vulgate is in the public domain.