Psalm 131
Introduction
Exposition
Verse 1
LORD, my heart is not haughty. The Psalm deals with the Lord, and is a solitary colloquy with him, not a discourse before men. We have a sufficient audience when we speak with the Lord, and we may say to him many things which were not proper for the ears of men.
Verse 3
Let Israel hope in the LORD from henceforth and for ever. See how lovingly a man who is weaned from self thinks of others! David thinks of his people, and loses himself in his care for Israel.
Explanatory Notes & Quaint Sayings
Verse 1
LORD, my heart is not haughty. For the truth of his plea he appeals to God; and from all those who are affected like David, God will accept of the appeal. Firstly. He could in truth of heart appeal to God: "LORD, my heart is not haughty." He appeals to him who knoweth all things.
Verse 2
Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, etc. Oh, how sapless and insipid doth the world grow to the soul that is making meet for heaven! "I am crucified to the world, and this world to me." Ga 6:14. In valet doth this harlot think to allure me by her attractions of profit and pleasure.
Verse 3
Let Israel hope in the LORD. After the example, therefore, of the King of Israel, who thus demeaned himself in his afflictions, lowly, contented, and resigned, casting all his care upon the Father who cared for him, and patiently waiting his time for deliverance and salvation; after this their…
Hints to the Village Preacher
Verse 1. Humility. 1. A profession which ought to befit every child of God. 2. A profession which nevertheless many children of God cannot truthfully make. Point out the prevalence of pride and ambition even in the church. 3.
TITLE. A Song of Degrees of David. It is both by David and of David: he is the author and the subject of it, and many incidents of his life may be employed to illustrate it. Comparing all the Psalms to gems, we should liken this to a pearl: how beautifully it will adorn the neck of patience.