Psalms 131 - Printer Friendly

This short song is one of a collection (Psalm 120—134) used during travels to Jerusalem for feasts. This passage emphasizes humility before the Lord. The tone of the psalm matches David's style of faith (2 Samuel 7:18; Psalm 36:11).

David begins with a statement of his own humility. He does not presume to know things, nor does he set his ambitions on lofty goals. Instead, he is content to wait for the Lord to act. David compares his peace to that of a child who is no longer desperate for a mother's milk. The child who can eat solid food is more content and trusting in the presence of the mother. This is an attitude which all Israel should adopt: to calmly express faith in the Lord (Psalm 131:1–3).

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.

Psalm 131:3 closes the psalm by urging Israel to imitate David's contented, humble trust in God (Psalm 131:1–2). The nation's goal should be to maintain this deep faith forever and ever.

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 12/18/2024 10:05:37 AM