Psalm 131:1-2

A song of ascents. Of David.

1 My heart is not proud, LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me.

2 But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content.

Psalm 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

• 1. Psalms 101:5; Isaiah 2:12; Romans 12:16
• 2. S 2 Samuel 22:28; S Job 41:34
• 3. Jeremiah 45:5
• 4. S Job 5:9; Psalms 139:6
• 5. S Psalms 116:7
• 6. Matthew 18:3; 1 Corinthians 13:11; 1 Corinthians 14:20