Psalm 131: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Psalm 131 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The psalmist speaks to Yahweh: his heart is not haughty and his eyes are not lofty, and he does not concern himself with great matters or 'things too wonderful for me' (v. 1). Instead he has stilled and quieted his soul, 'like a weaned child with his mother', and says his soul within him is like that child (v. 2). Then the call goes out to Israel: hope in Yahweh, 'from this time forward and forever more' (v. 3).

Key verse

“Surely I have stilled and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with his mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.”
Psalms 131:2 (WEB)

Outline

Psalm 131:1 Humility Declared
Psalm 131:2 Contentment Imagery
Psalm 131:3 A Call to Hope

Discussion questions

In v1, what does the psalmist say about his heart and eyes?
What imagery does the psalmist use in v2 to express his state of soul?
In v1, why does the psalmist reject 'great matters' and 'things too wonderful'?
What is the implication of the phrase 'weaned child' in v2 for understanding trust?
When have you experienced a sense of contentment like a 'weaned child' (v2)?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Psalm 131: Matthew 18, Mark 10, Psalm 133.

Before next time: read Psalm 132.