Psalms 131:1-3·~1 min
I Have Stilled My Soul
The speaker first rejects the posture of pride and the appetite for things too lofty, then describes the soul as deliberately stilled and quieted like a weaned child resting with its mother. From that inward stillness the psalm turns outward and tells Israel to hope in the LORD now and forever.
A1 song of ascents. Of David. 2Surely I have stilled and quieted my soul; 3O Israel, put your hope in the LORD,
Section summaryThe psalm begins by denying pride, haughtiness, and the reaching after matters too great for the speaker. In place of that striving, it pictures the soul as quiet and content like a weaned child with its mother, then closes by calling Israel to place its hope in the LORD now and forever.
Role in the chapterThis section functions as a psalm of humble repose. It teaches that true hope in the LORD is not compatible with proud self-extension, but is learned in quietness, contentment, and a childlike rest that becomes a summons to the whole community.