Psalm 131

Introduction.—Ps. 131 is a song expressing childlike trust and humble resignation. The psalmist had cultivated the art of self-discipline to the place where he no longer strove for the highest place.

On the superscription see Introduction to Ps. 120; see also pp. 616, 625, 627.

1. Not haughty. In the school of experience the psalmist had to renounce pride and selfishness and to develop a meek and lowly spirit. The great men in God’s sight are men of deep humility. Christ stated that among those born of women there had not arisen a greater than John the Baptist (Matt. 11:11), and yet he was one of the humblest of men. John reached the height of self-abnegation (see John 3:30). “Nearest the throne itself shall be, the footstool of humility” (see Jer. 45:5). None but the sincerely humble are truly great.

2. Weaned child. The psalmist had been weaned away from worldly ambitions and desires, and now enjoyed security and contentment in God.

3. Let Israel hope. The tone of personal experience changes to a request for all Israel. Having been weaned from his own selfish desires, the psalmist was able to utter a prayer for his people Israel. He was living for the Lord and encouraging all his friends and countrymen to follow his example. Personal victory became a pattern for all Israel to follow.

Ellen G. White comments

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