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Psalms 131

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David's Declaration of Humility 1–3

1
Jehovah, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty; Neither do I exercise myself in great matters, Or in things too wonderful for me. ​
2
Surely I have stilled and quieted my soul; Like a weaned child with his mother, Like a weaned child is my soul within me. ​
3
O Israel, hope in Jehovah From this time forth and for evermore. ​

Bible text: American Standard Version (1901) · Public domain

Study Notes for Psalms 131

Verse 1

things too high for me — The verb is pala, to be wonderful or beyond reach. Job uses it of the LORD's works: 'things too wonderful for me, which I knew not' (Job 42:3). Pride is named in the heart (gabah, lifted up), the eyes (rum, raised) and the walk (halak) among 'great matters'. Paul has 'Mind not high things' (Rom 12:16).

Verse 2

as a child that is weaned of his mother — Shavah is to make level, and damam to be still, so the psalmist has smoothed and silenced his own soul (nephesh). Gamal is to wean, and the weaned child is named twice. Christ sets the child as the pattern: 'Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein' (Mark 10:15).

Verse 3

Let Israel hope in the LORD — The words are those of Ps 130:7, and the verb is again yachal, to wait. David turns from his own quieted soul to the nation, as Ps 130 turns from its cry to Israel. 'From henceforth and for ever' (olam) gives no end to the waiting; Isaiah says the same: 'Trust ye in the LORD for ever' (Isa 26:4).