Psalms 131:2

2. The conditional Hebrew particle אם , ( eem,) here joined with the negative, לא , ( loh,) takes the sense of solemn asseveration, as in the formula of swearing: “ Certainly, verily, I have behaved myself,” etc. See on Psalms 132:3. From negative disavowals he rises to affirmations.

Behaved and quieted Literally, Smoothed, or levelled and stilled; that is, he had composed and hushed his soul as a weaned child. On this comparison to childhood see Matthew 18:3. The comparison is not to an infant, but to a child of three years, the Hebrew period of weaning, ( 2Ma 7:27 ,) the earliest age of choice and rudimental development. The discipline of weaning is very notable. It effected a total alienation from its earliest nature and habits. As a weaned child David had learned not only to deny himself of prohibited indulgence in the common pride of monarchs, but was cured of the desire. He had no craving for that which God had denied, and from which he was now completely separated. There can be no more natural and beautiful description of a humble, subdued, and submissive spirit than in these artless professions.