Bible Commentaries
Psalms 131

Verse 1

Psalms 131:0.

David, professing his humility, exhorteth Israel to hope in God.

A Song of Degrees of David.

Title. לדוד המעלות שׁיר Shiir hammangaloth ledavid] David is thought to have written this psalm in order to clear himself of any design which his enemies charged upon him, of affecting the kingdom during Saul's life. The psalm tends to shew, that a quiet peaceful submission to God's providence is the best way to obtain his favour.

Psalms 131:1. My heart is not haughty— i.e. "I harbour no such ambitious designs as to aspire to the throne during the life of Saul:"—Nor are mine eyes lofty: "I do not look superciliously upon any man, as if I had vainly exalted myself above my proper rank and condition."

Verse 2

Psalms 131:2. Surely, &c.— On the contrary, I compose and hush my soul like one that is weaning in his mother's arms; as one that is weaning in the arms, is my soul. Mudge.

Verse 3

Psalms 131:3. Let Israel hope, &c.— i.e. "Let all good men, all the children of God, in like manner, modestly place their confidence and hope in the Lord, as long as their live; and choose rather to be depressed, than by any undue means to raise themselves to greatness and honour."

REFLECTIONS.—We have,

1. David's profession of his integrity. Lord, my heart is not haughty; naturally it is so in every man, but by divine grace he had been brought to entertain humble apprehensions of himself, since a discovery of his sin, helplessness, and corruption had, by the word and Spirit of God, been made to him; nor mine eyes lofty, superciliously looking down upon inferiors with disdain, or looking up to superiors with envy: he bowed before God, as the publican, in deep humility; and, far from aspiring thoughts, could have been content, if God so pleased, to have continued among the sheepfolds: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me; no ambitious projects filled his mind, nor did he affect to be wise above what is written, desiring to pry into the secrets of providence and grace, which are too deep for our shallow line to fathom. Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child; so far from proudly assuming state, or being of a turbulent spirit, he had at Saul's court ever shewed the greatest meekness and most harmless behaviour, and no more sought the honours, wealth, and greatness of the world, than a child the breast from which it hath been weaned. Note; (1.) Humility is the great ornament of every station. (2.) Proud looks shew a proud heart. (3.) To wade out of our depth, either in religion or learning, is dangerous. It is wisdom enough to know the way to heaven, without intruding into the arcana of God's counsels. (4.) A child-like spirit is the best symptom of a gracious heart.

2. He encourages others from his example to trust in the Lord. Let Israel hope in the Lord from henceforth, and for ever. Many of the people might be impatient of Saul's government, and eager to see him on the throne; but he exhorts them to leave the matter to God, who in his own time would fulfil all his designs. Note; They who hope in Jesus, and wait for his salvation, may confidently expect to partake of it, not only in time but in eternity; and shall be sure to possess it, if they continue to live by faith in the Son of God.