Psalm 131:2

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 131:2

Surely I have behaved and quieted myself - Margin, as in Hebrew, my soul. The Hebrew is, “If I have not soothed and quieted my soul.” This is a strong mode of affirming that he had done it. The negative form is often thus used to denote a strong affirmation. The full form would be, “God knows if I have not done this;” or, “If I have not done this, then let me bear the consequences; let me be punished.” The idea is that he was conscious he had done this. Instead of being arrogant, proud, and... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 131:2-3

Psalms 131:2-3. Surely I have behaved and quieted myself Hebrew, שׁויתי ודוממתי נפשׁי , I have composed and hushed, or, rendered silent, my soul. When my mind was provoked to any irregular passion or temper, I restrained and subdued all such sinful motions or dispositions. As a child that is weaned of his mother As void of all that ambition and malice, wherewith I am charged, as a child newly weaned; or, rather, as wholly depending upon God’s providence, as the poor helpless infant,... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Psalms 131:1-3

Psalm 129-131 Preparing for worshipThinking back on the sorrows of Israel’s history, the travellers recall that ever since the days of the nation’s ‘youth’ in Egypt, Israel has had suffering. The backs of the people had been whipped when they were slaves, but God cut the cords that bound them in slavery and set them free (129:1-4). Now again they are troubled by those who hate them. They pray that God will turn back their enemies and make them as useless as stalks of grass that wither and die... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Psalms 131:2

Surely = [See] whether I have not, &c. quieted = silenced. Some codices, with Septuagint and Vulgate, read "soothed and uplifted": i.e. comforted. myself = my soul. Hebrew. nephesh. My soul = Myself. Hebrew. nephesh . App-13 . read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Psalms 131:2

Psalms 131:2. Surely, &c.— On the contrary, I compose and hush my soul like one that is weaning in his mother's arms; as one that is weaning in the arms, is my soul. Mudge. read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Psalms 131:2

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 (Matthew 18:3 Matthew 18:4; Isaiah 11:8; Isaiah 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. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 131:1-2

1. A model of humility 131:1-2 read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 131:1-3

Psalms 131In just a few words, David spoke of his humble trust in the Lord and his hope in Him. These are remarkable statements for a powerful king to have written. This is an individual psalm of confidence that became a psalm of ascent."In this brief psalm, he [David] tells us the essentials of a life that glorifies God and accomplishes His work on earth." [Note: Ibid., p. 352.] read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 131:2

David had stopped being self-assertive and restless. Rather than constantly seeking self-gratification, he now rested in his lot. The ability to rest and be quiet, rather than struggling for what we want, is a sign of maturity as well as humility. read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 131:1-3

A song of child-like resignation of one committing himself to God in time of trouble.2. Behaved] RV ’stilled.’ Children were weaned between two and three years of age.Even] better, ’within me,’ or ’upon me,’ referring to the child upon its mother’s bosom. read more

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