Psalms 131:1-3

Psalm 131

A song of ascents, by David.

131:1 O Lord, my heart is not proud,

nor do I have a haughty look.

I do not have great aspirations,

or concern myself with things that are beyond me.

131:2 Indeed I am composed and quiet,

like a young child carried by its mother;

I am content like the young child I carry.

131:3 O Israel, hope in the Lord

now and forevermore!


sn Psalm 131. The psalmist affirms his humble dependence on the Lord and urges Israel to place its trust in God.

sn The precise significance of this title, which appears in Pss 120-134, is unclear. Perhaps worshipers recited these psalms when they ascended the road to Jerusalem to celebrate annual religious festivals. For a discussion of their background see L. C. Allen, Psalms 101-150 (WBC), 219-21.

tn Heb “and my eyes are not lifted up.”

tn Heb “I do not walk in great things, and in things too marvelous for me.”

tn Or “but.”

tn Heb “I make level and make quiet my soul.”

tn Heb “like a weaned [one] upon his mother.”

tn Heb “like the weaned [one] upon me, my soul.”