A song of ascents.
This phrase indicates that Psalm 131 is part of the Songs of Ascents, a collection of Psalms (120-134) traditionally sung by Hebrew pilgrims as they ascended to Jerusalem for the three major feasts: Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. The ascent is both a physical journey to the elevated city of Jerusalem and a spiritual journey towards God. The Songs of Ascents emphasize themes of trust, humility, and reliance on God, which are central to this Psalm.

Of David.
This attribution suggests that King David is the author of this Psalm. David, known for his deep relationship with God, often expressed humility and reliance on the Lord despite his royal status. His life, from shepherd boy to king, exemplifies a journey of faith and dependence on God. David's authorship adds weight to the themes of humility and contentment, as he was a man of great achievements who recognized his need for God's guidance.

My heart is not proud, O LORD,
The heart, in biblical terms, represents the center of one's being, including emotions, will, and intellect. A proud heart is often condemned in Scripture (Proverbs 16:5, James 4:6) as it leads to self-reliance and a departure from God's ways. David's declaration of a humble heart reflects a conscious choice to submit to God's authority, aligning with the biblical principle that God exalts the humble (Matthew 23:12).

my eyes are not haughty.
Haughty eyes symbolize arrogance and a sense of superiority over others (Proverbs 6:16-17). In the ancient Near Eastern culture, the eyes were seen as windows to the soul, revealing one's true character. By stating that his eyes are not haughty, David emphasizes his humility and refusal to look down on others, aligning with the biblical call to love and serve one another (Philippians 2:3-4).

I do not aspire to great things
This phrase reflects a contentment with one's position and a rejection of ambition for personal glory. In a culture that often valued status and power, David's statement is countercultural, emphasizing trust in God's plan over personal ambition. This aligns with Jesus' teaching on seeking first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33) and finding greatness in servanthood (Mark 10:43-45).

or matters too lofty for me.
David acknowledges the limitations of human understanding and the importance of trusting God's wisdom. This echoes the biblical theme that God's thoughts and ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). By not concerning himself with matters beyond his comprehension, David demonstrates faith in God's sovereignty and a willingness to rest in His providence, a principle seen throughout Scripture (Job 42:1-6, Romans 11:33-36).

Surely I have stilled and quieted my soul;
This phrase reflects a deliberate act of calming one's inner being. In biblical context, the soul often represents the whole person, including emotions and desires. The psalmist, traditionally believed to be David, expresses a conscious effort to find peace and contentment. This mirrors the biblical theme of trusting in God rather than being consumed by pride or ambition, as seen in other scriptures like Philippians 4:6-7, which encourages believers to present their requests to God with thanksgiving to receive peace. The act of stilling and quieting the soul can be seen as a form of spiritual discipline, akin to practices such as meditation and prayer, which are emphasized throughout the Psalms.

like a weaned child with his mother,
The imagery of a weaned child suggests a transition from dependency on the mother for sustenance to a state of contentment and trust. In ancient Near Eastern culture, weaning was a significant milestone, often celebrated with a feast, as seen in Genesis 21:8 with Isaac. This metaphor indicates a mature faith that no longer demands immediate gratification but rests in the assurance of God's provision. The weaned child symbolizes a believer who has moved beyond spiritual infancy, characterized by constant neediness, to a deeper, more trusting relationship with God.

like a weaned child is my soul within me.
Reiterating the metaphor, the psalmist emphasizes the internalization of this peace and contentment. The repetition underscores the completeness of this transformation. In the broader biblical narrative, this reflects the journey of faith where believers are called to grow in spiritual maturity, as encouraged in Hebrews 5:12-14. The soul's contentment is a testament to the psalmist's trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, echoing themes found in other wisdom literature, such as Proverbs 3:5-6, which advises trust in the Lord with all one's heart. This state of inner peace is a type of Christ's own trust and submission to the Father's will, exemplified in His earthly ministry.

O Israel,
This phrase addresses the nation of Israel, God's chosen people. Historically, Israel was a theocracy, meaning their identity and governance were deeply intertwined with their relationship with God. The call to Israel is significant as it reminds them of their covenant relationship with God, established through figures like Abraham, Moses, and David. This phrase also serves as a reminder of their unique role in God's redemptive plan, as seen throughout the Old Testament.

put your hope in the LORD,
The exhortation to place hope in the LORD emphasizes trust and reliance on God rather than on human strength or wisdom. Biblically, hope in the LORD is a recurring theme, seen in passages like Jeremiah 17:7 and Isaiah 40:31, where trust in God is associated with blessing and renewal. This hope is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation based on God's faithfulness and promises. It reflects a posture of humility and dependence, aligning with the broader biblical narrative of God as the ultimate source of security and salvation.

both now and forevermore.
This phrase underscores the timeless nature of the call to trust in God. It suggests an immediate and ongoing commitment, relevant to the present and extending into eternity. The dual focus on "now" and "forevermore" highlights the eternal nature of God's covenant and the enduring relevance of His promises. This echoes the eternal perspective found in scriptures like Psalm 90:2 and Revelation 1:8, where God's unchanging nature and eternal reign are affirmed. It also points to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in the eschatological hope of the new creation, where God's people will dwell with Him forever.