Psalm 131 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

131:1

Psalm 131:1-3. This Psalm, while expressive of David‘s pious feelings on assuming the royal office, teaches the humble, submissive temper of a true child of God.

eyes lofty — a sign of pride (Psalm 18:27).

exercise myself — literally, “walk in,” or “meddle with.”

131:2

Surely, etc. — The form is that of an oath or strongest assertion. Submission is denoted by the figure of a weaned child. As the child weaned by his mother from the breast, so I still the motions of pride in me (Matthew 18:3, Matthew 18:4; Isaiah 11:8; Isaiah 28:9). Hebrew children were often not weaned till three years old.

soul — may be taken for desire, which gives a more definite sense, though one included in the idea conveyed by the usual meaning, myself.