Psalms 131

David expresses profound humility, stating his heart and eyes are not haughty, nor does he pursue matters beyond his understanding. He likens his soul's quieted state to a weaned child, content and no longer striving. Consequently, he encourages Israel to place their hope in the Lord eternally.

In this Psalm of degrees, David begins by affirming his humble disposition before the Lord. He declares that his heart is not filled with pride, nor do his eyes exhibit loftiness or arrogance. Furthermore, he refrains from engaging in matters that are too great or too high for his comprehension and station. David then illustrates his spiritual state by comparing his soul to a child that has been weaned from its mother. This imagery signifies a profound sense of peace, contentment, and cessation from restless striving or demanding. His soul is quieted and composed, having found its true satisfaction and dependence. Based on this personal experience of humble trust, David then exhorts the entire nation of Israel to place their hope and expectation in the Lord, not just for the present, but from henceforth and for evermore.

Psalm 131, designated as a Song of degrees attributed to David, opens with a powerful declaration of personal humility and spiritual contentment. David asserts before the Almighty that his heart is devoid of haughtiness, and his eyes do not betray a spirit of pride or arrogance. He explicitly states that he does not involve himself in affairs that are too grand or matters that exceed his understanding and proper sphere. This self-assessment reveals a deep awareness of his limitations and a rejection of ambitious striving for power or knowledge beyond divine appointment. The psalmist then employs a vivid and poignant metaphor to describe the state of his soul. He proclaims that he has "behaved and quieted" himself, drawing a parallel to a child that has been weaned from its mother. This imagery is central to the Psalm's message, signifying a cessation of restless yearning, a relinquishing of desires that once dominated, and a profound acceptance of one's current state. Just as a weaned child no longer cries for its mother's milk but finds peace in a new form of sustenance and security, so too has David's soul found a quiet repose in the Lord, no longer striving for self-sufficiency or earthly gratifications. His soul is described as "even as a weaned child," highlighting a settled, dependent, and trusting spirit. This personal testimony of humble submission and quiet trust serves as a foundation for his concluding exhortation. David then turns his attention to the nation of Israel, urging them to emulate his example. He calls upon Israel to "hope in the LORD," emphasizing a continuous and unwavering reliance on God. This hope is not to be transient but enduring, extending "from henceforth and for ever." Thus, the Psalm moves from individual humility and contentment to a collective call for eternal trust in the divine.