United Commentaries

Ps.120.1-134.3

These short, appealing songs were sung during pilgrims’ journeys to Jerusalem for the national festivals three times per year (Deut 16:16). The title of these psalms includes the Hebrew word for stairs, which some take to mean “ascending to Jerusalem.” These psalms (sometimes called the Songs of Ascents) take the reader on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem to praise God for his goodness to Israel throughout history.

Ps.131.1-3

Out of his contentment in the Lord, the psalmist invites Israel to seek their rest in God (131:3).

Ps.131.1

The heart represents the whole being (see 27:8).

God hates arrogance, which is a foolish way of life (Prov 6:16-19).

The psalmist does not trouble himself with matters that properly belong to the Lord.

Ps.131.2

The psalmist calmed and quieted himself, surrendering his ambitions and taming his ego (Gal 2:20).

like a weaned child: The psalmist sees himself as a contented child.