Bible Commentaries
Psalms 131

Verses 1-3

PSALM 131

The lowly condition of soul that follows the confession of sins to the Lord.

Psalm 130 describes the anguish of soul before the Lord on account of iniquities. Psalm 131 depicts the chastened spirit that results from the realization of the grace of the Lord when in the depths of anguish on account of sins.

(v. 1) Through the exercises of his soul the godly man becomes marked by lowliness that makes nothing of self, and meekness that gives place to others. Thus the natural haughtiness of the heart, that makes everything self, is judged, and the lofty eyes that look down upon others are condemned.

With a chastened spirit the soul ceases to exercise itself with things unrevealed by God, and therefore too wonderful for its comprehension.

(v. 2) The second verse describes the calm repose of a soul that has learned to be lowly, and meek, in heart and ways. Natural pride and ambitions being restrained the soul is composed, like a weaned child that after its first outburst of grief learns to rest with quiet composure with its mother (JND).

(v. 3) The psalm closes with the desire that the experiences of the individual may become the experience of the nation. If such are the ways of the Lord in bringing a weary soul to rest, “Let Israel hope in the Lord from henceforth and for ever.”