Worthy.Bible » ASV » Psalms » Chapter 131 » Verse 1-3

Psalms 131:1-3 American Standard (ASV)

1 Jehovah, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty; Neither do I exercise myself in great matters, Or in things too wonderful for me.

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

3 O Israel, hope in Jehovah From this time forth and for evermore. Psalm 132 A Song of Ascents.

Commentary on Psalms 131 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible


PSALM 131

Ps 131:1-3. This Psalm, while expressive of David's pious feelings on assuming the royal office, teaches the humble, submissive temper of a true child of God.

1. eyes lofty—a sign of pride (Ps 18:27).

exercise myself—literally, "walk in," or "meddle with."

2. Surely, &c.—The form is that of an oath or strongest assertion. Submission is denoted by the figure of a weaned child. As the child weaned by his mother from the breast, so I still the motions of pride in me (Mt 18:3, 4; Isa 11:8; 28:9). Hebrew children were often not weaned till three years old.

soul—may be taken for desire, which gives a more definite sense, though one included in the idea conveyed by the usual meaning, myself.