Psalm 131

Psalm Category: Song of Ascents

Central Thought: Humbling oneself and hoping in the Lord

keywords: proud, composed, and hope

Psalms 130 and 131 are a pair. Psalm 130 presents the objective realities involved in ascending into the presence of God by means of His forgiveness and redemption (130:4, 7; see Heb. 10:18; 12:22). Psalm 131 presents the subjective realities in response to that abundant redemption (130:7).

In Psalm 131, the subjective effect is set out first (v. 1), then the subjective means to that effect (v. 2), and then the renewed call to all of God’s people (v. 3; 130:7; Israel) to trust God alone and forever for every good thing. Biblical hope is not wishful thinking that arises out of our desires, but confident expectation grounded in the faithfulness of God.

The Songs of Ascents (Psalms 120-134) were perhaps sung as Israel came up to Jerusalem for the three great feasts (Exod. 23:14-17). These feasts celebrated the faithfulness of God and vindicated the hope of His people. The covenant name (Lord) begins and ends this psalm and indicates the solid foundation for confident expectation of eternal good (v. 3; Rom. 8:18).

The Effect of Forgiveness and Redemption (v. 1; see 130:4, 7)

Out of the heart (v. 1) the mouth speaks (Matt. 15:18-19), and out of the heart the eyes look (v. 1; Prov. 21:4; Matt. 5:28). Those who think too much of themselves (v. 1, proud) are also those who think too little of others (v. 1, haughty) and will reveal these things through the windows of their eyes. These evils are two sides of the same coin (Luke 18:9; Rom. 12:16). Those who are proud exceed their calling (v. 1; great matters) and those who are haughty exceed gifts (too difficult). In his pride, Uzziah went beyond his calling as king and arrogantly seized the privileges of the priesthood (2 Chron. 26:16). Those who seek to penetrate hidden things by means of their own wisdom exceed their gifts and enter into deep darkness (Deut. 29:29). The salvation of God in free forgiveness and gracious redemption makes it impossible for His people to suffer these vices very much or very long (v. 1, not).

The Means to this Effect (v. 2)

Because of the Lord’s forgiveness and redemption (130:4, 7), the psalmist humbled himself. In direct contradiction of pride and with a sworn commitment (surely), he let the air out of his inflated self-esteem and increased his appreciation for others (composed, quieted; see Rom. 12:3, 10, 16). This is not merely an internal exercise, but an act that manifests itself in his whole being and doing (soul). The beautiful illustration of this is a child who knows that his mother will care for him without his constant clamoring for her (weaned). Since the Lord has provided forgiveness and redemption (130:4, 7), we are not worried (Matt. 6:25-34) but completely confident (v. 3, hope) that He will provide us with anything and everything we will ever need (v. 3, now and forever; Rom. 8:32). We are weaned from the disruptive lusts of the flesh, especially pride (Gal. 5:20-21), and are at rest in the peaceful fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23; see Heb. 12:11; James 3:17-18).

The Renewed Call to Hope in the Lord (v. 3)

Having humbled himself (vv. 1-2) under the mighty hand of God’s forgiveness and redemption (130:4, 7; 1 Pet. 5:6), the psalmist calls all the redeemed to join him in the confident expectation of the Lord’s infinite, eternal, and unchangeable goodness (hope).

Lessons

The irony of spiritual maturity is that it is to become like a child (Matt. 18:4) through a solemn commitment to humble ourselves in grace from our pride (v. 1) and adopt a calm reliance on redemption in Christ (v. 2; 130:4,7). Prayer, with the elements of adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication (ACTS), is an effective means of humbling ourselves, as even brief consideration of the significance of each element makes clear. The other means of grace—submitting to His Word, observing His sacraments, and accepting the gifts and callings of others in Christian fellowship (Acts 2:42)—are also effective means of humbling ourselves and appreciating others.

Grow up into spiritual maturity by weaning yourself from the world and its lusts (vv. 1-2). Put off the arrogant lusts of the flesh, especially the boastful pride of life, that seeks to compel others to serve and honor you (Col. 3:9; Mark 4:19; 1 John 2:16). Compose and quiet your soul (v. 2). Put on the humble fruit of the Spirit that enables you to serve and honor others (Col. 3:10; Rom. 12:3, 10, 16; Phil. 2:3). Do all these things by God’s grace and for His glory. Humble yourself and hope in the Lord.