Introduction

Psalm 131

The Argument

This Psalm seems to have been composed by David during Saul’s persecution. when be was charged with boundless ambition, and a greedy affectation of the royal throne, and that he sought it by wicked practices against Saul’s life and dignity. And for his own just vindication he is forced to publish his own integrity, and to declare that as the right of the kingdom was not sought or coveted by him, but freely conferred upon him by the unexpected and undesired favour of God; so that he had no thought or design to invade the throne before his time, but was willing to stay God’s leisure for it, and in the mean time was resolved to behave himself towards Saul as became a faithful subject, seeking nothing but to preserve his own life from the rage of unrighteous and bloody men.

David testifieth his humility, Psalm 131.1,2, and exhorteth Israel to trust in the Lord, Psalm 131.3.

Verse 1

Is not haughty; or, lifted up, with that pride whereof I am accused, as thou the Searcher of all hearts knowest.

Nor mine eyes lofty; which is a sign and effect of pride, Proverbs 6.17; Proverbs 21.4.

Neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me; Heb. neither have I walked in great matters, etc. It neither is nor hath been my course to attempt or arrogate any thing to myself above my degree and private capacity, or to affect worldly glory or domination.

Verse 2

When my mind was provoked to irregular practices, either by my own corrupt heart, or by Saul’s implacable rage and tyranny, or by the solicitation of any of my followers, as 1 Samuel 24; 1 Samuel 26, I restrained and subdued all such evil motions.

As a child that is weaned of his mother, either,

1. As void of all that ambition and malice wherewith I am charged as a child newly weaned; or rather,

2. As wholly depending upon God’s providence for the way and. time of bringing me to the kingdom, as the poor helpless infant, when it is deprived of its natural and accustomed food, the mother’s milk, takes no care to provide for itself, but wholly relies upon its mother’s care and providence for its support.

Verse 3

Let all Israelites learn by my example to commit themselves to God in well-doing, and to fix all their hope and trust upon him alone.