131:1–3 Though one of the shortest of psalms, Psalm 131 is one of the most profound. Its image of tranquillity we readily admire, but its advice we all too readily dismiss as impractical. When things go wrong, the temptation is to make ambitious plans and redouble our efforts. Such was clearly the case for Judah in the hardships of the early postexilic period. But this psalm of ascent counsels God’s people to engage in contemplation before action.

It is composed of a personal confession to God (vv. 1–2) and an exhortation to the congregation, Israel (v. 3). To some readers, the attachment of a corpor…