Psalm 131:2 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.

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

NASB: I have certainly soothed and quieted my soul; Like a weaned child resting against his mother, My soul within me is like a weaned child.

CSB: Instead, I have calmed and quieted my soul like a weaned child with its mother; my soul is like a weaned child.

NLT: Instead, I have calmed and quieted myself, like a weaned child who no longer cries for its mother’s milk. Yes, like a weaned child is my soul within me.

KJV: Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child.

NKJV: Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, Like a weaned child with his mother; Like a weaned child is my soul within me.

When a child is "weaned," they can eat foods other than their mother's milk. Such a child is more patient and content while waiting for nourishment. The un-weaned infant cries when hungry; they are constantly looking for more. David compares his trust in God to the attitude of a weaned child: content, trusting, and calm even while waiting to accept whatever the Lord has in store.

Psalm 73 begins with an inward struggle over the apparent wealth and ease of wicked people (Psalm 73:2–3). However, the psalmist sought out a better perspective (Psalm 73:16–18). This led to a sense of contentment and calm (Psalm 73:25–28). In a similar way, the author of the book of Hebrews encourages Christians to be content with what they have, thanks to the Lord's abiding presence (Hebrews 13:5).

Psalm 131:1–2 announces David's humility before the Lord. David does not presume to know what God knows. He understands his place and this knowledge brings him peace. David compares his trust in God to a child who has matured beyond the need for breastfeeding. The child rests contented in the care of the mother without the impatience and emotion of an un-weaned infant. In that way, David is satisfied to trust in the Lord.

David declares that he has put all of his faith in the Lord, without arrogance or scheming. Like an infant who has just been fed, David is content to trust God. Rather than being impressed with himself, or concerned about things he does not understand, David chooses to calmly rely on the Lord. He encourages all Israel to do the same.

Fifteen psalms (Psalms 120—134) are part of a collection used when pilgrims would climb into the hills of Jerusalem for annual feasts (Deuteronomy 16:16). Four of these songs "of ascents" (Psalm 122; 124; 131; 133) are labeled "of David," which may be a reference to style more than his personal writing. Yet this psalm echoes David's humility in faith (2 Samuel 7:18; Psalm 36:11).

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 4/16/2025 3:20:34 PM