I. EXPRESSION OF HUMILITY (1-2). Addressed to Jehovah. I. Simple Submissiveness (1). Lowliness. 2. Striking Similitude (2). Likeness. II. EXHORTATION TO HOPE (3). Addressed to Israel. SUPERSCRIPT.-A Song of the Degrees (or, Ascents); David's. PRIMARY AssocIATION.-It is probably King Hezekiah who takes up this beautiful psahn of David's as eminently suitable to set forth his own soul exercise at the time of his serious illness. If so, it belongs to the latter part.of that period. PROPHETIC ANTICIPATION.-Clearly points to the state of soul to be reached by Israel as a result of Jehovah's disciplinary dealings with the nation in the last days. They learn to look solely to the lovingkindness of God in hope of (a) Perfect Redemption, cxxx. 7; (b) Permanent Rest, cxxxi. 3. PERSONAL APPUCATION.-Stillness after storm. A spirit of childlike humility as a1 essential attitude of all the people of God is taught in Old Testament and New Testament alike; c£ Matt. xviii. 3. Man learns this lesson only in the school of suffering. Pardon ( cxxx.) is followed by peace (cxxxi.). The believer learns to rest in the Saviour's love rather than for ever craving something from Him. It is difficult for the human heart to give up its treasured ambitions and rest entirely content in the will of God. VERSE NOTES I. Refers to the renunciation of ambitious schemes rather than to refraining · from probing the higher mysteries of God, though this also may be implied. 2. More exactly" ... upon (the breast of) its mother, ... my soul upon me." -Ellipsis may be supplied thus, "Yea, as tl1e weaned child (so) upon (Jehovah) my soul (rests)." The psalmist here likens himself to a child during the weaning process. At first it sobs and struggles, but at last learns to lie satisfied upon the mother's bosom without further cravings. The point of comparison is the child's contentment, not its helplessness. 3. To introduce Israel here may seem forced, but the verse links the three psaLns of the group, cxxix. I i cxx:x, 8; cxxxi. 3.
Cycle 5. Hu,nan Stress and Divine Sufficiency: cxxxii.-cxxxiv. Jehovah the National Reconciler. The Uniter of Israel.
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