JFB Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary

Psalms 131

Public-domain commentary by Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown.

Commentary Notes

v1

Psalms 131:1

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."

Ps 131 1-Ps 131 3Ps 18 27
v2

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 (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.

Matt 18 3Matt 18 4Isa 11 8Isa 28 9