Psalm 131 is a song of ascent of David, joining fellow Israelites who are going up to Jerusalem for one of the religious feasts. David’s song is a declaration of his humble dependence upon the LORD, rather than being proud and giving way to selfish ambition “in great matters” as we have seen with his son Absalom in our recent studies in 2 Samuel.
O LORD, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes haughty; nor do I involve myself in great matters, or in things too difficult for me.
Surely I have composed and quieted my soul; like a weaned child rests against his mother, my soul is like a weaned child within me (Psalm 131:1-2).
The word translated composed is more literally to make level. David has made level and quieted his soul. It’s a beautiful picture of a content child who is resting peacefully against his mother; and a picture of the mature believer who “rests in” or depends upon the LORD rather than proudly go his or her own way. We know this application from the final admonition in verse 3:
O Israel, hope in the LORD from this time forth and forever.
David’s testimony indicates that it is a choice whether we will level our soul before the LORD and His will or proudly seek our own ambition. It is much like Isaiah 26:3-4:
The steadfast of mind Thou wilt keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in Thee.
Trust in the LORD forever, for in God the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock.