O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, both now and forevermore. O IsraelThis phrase directly addresses the nation of Israel, God's chosen people. In the Hebrew text, "Israel" is "יִשְׂרָאֵל" (Yisra'el), which means "God prevails" or "He who struggles with God." Historically, Israel represents not only the descendants of Jacob but also the collective identity of a people in covenant with God. This call to Israel is a reminder of their unique relationship with God, who has guided them through history, from the patriarchs to the exodus, and into the Promised Land. It is a call to remember their identity and purpose as a nation set apart for God's glory. put your hope
The Hebrew word for "hope" is "יָחַל" (yachal), which conveys a sense of waiting with expectation and trust. This is not a passive waiting but an active, confident expectation of God's faithfulness and intervention. In the biblical context, hope is deeply rooted in the character of God, who is trustworthy and unchanging. The call to "put your hope" is an invitation to rely on God's promises and His sovereign plan, even when circumstances seem uncertain or challenging. in the LORD
The term "LORD" in all capital letters represents the divine name "YHWH" (Yahweh), the covenant name of God revealed to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14). This name signifies God's eternal existence, faithfulness, and unchanging nature. To place hope "in the LORD" is to trust in His character, His promises, and His ability to fulfill His word. It is a call to recognize God as the ultimate source of security and salvation, transcending human understanding and limitations. both now
The phrase "both now" emphasizes the immediacy and relevance of the call to hope. It suggests that trusting in the LORD is not just a future expectation but a present reality. In the historical context, this would have been a call to the Israelites to trust God in their current circumstances, whether in times of peace or turmoil. For believers today, it is a reminder that God's presence and faithfulness are available in every moment of life, providing strength and assurance in the here and now. and forevermore
This phrase extends the call to hope into eternity. The Hebrew word "עוֹלָם" (olam) can mean "forever," "eternity," or "a long duration." It underscores the eternal nature of God's promises and the everlasting relationship between God and His people. This assurance of hope "forevermore" points to the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ, who offers eternal life to all who believe. It is a reminder that God's faithfulness transcends time and that His promises are secure for all eternity. Persons / Places / Events 1. IsraelThe nation chosen by God, representing His people. In this context, Israel is called to trust in the Lord, emphasizing a collective and enduring faith. 2. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God, highlighting His eternal and unchanging nature. The psalm calls for trust in Yahweh, who is faithful and sovereign. 3. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of this psalm, King David's life exemplifies trust in God amidst various trials and triumphs. Teaching Points The Call to HopeThe psalmist's call to Israel is a timeless invitation for all believers to place their hope in God. This hope is not a fleeting wish but a confident expectation based on God's character and promises. Enduring TrustThe phrase "both now and forevermore" emphasizes the perpetual nature of our trust in God. It is a reminder that our faith should not waver with circumstances but remain steadfast through all seasons of life. Community of FaithThe call is directed to the community of Israel, highlighting the importance of collective faith. As believers, we are encouraged to support and encourage one another in our shared hope in the Lord. God's FaithfulnessTrusting in the Lord is rooted in His faithfulness. Reflecting on God's past faithfulness can strengthen our hope and trust in His future provision and guidance. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the call for Israel to hope in the Lord apply to us as a community of believers today? 2. In what ways can we cultivate a hope that is "both now and forevermore" in our daily lives? 3. Reflect on a time when trusting in the Lord brought peace or resolution to a difficult situation. How can this experience encourage others? 4. How do the connections to other scriptures, such as Jeremiah 17:7-8, deepen our understanding of what it means to hope in the Lord? 5. What practical steps can we take to encourage one another to maintain hope in God during challenging times? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 130:7This verse also calls Israel to hope in the Lord, emphasizing His unfailing love and redemption. It provides a broader context of trust and reliance on God's mercy. Jeremiah 17:7-8These verses describe the blessedness of those who trust in the Lord, likening them to a tree planted by water, illustrating stability and fruitfulness. Romans 15:13This New Testament verse speaks of the God of hope filling believers with joy and peace as they trust in Him, connecting the Old Testament call to hope with the New Testament promise of joy and peace. People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics 132, Ascents, Evermore, Forever, Forevermore, Forth, Henceforth, Hope, O, Psalm, Song, WaitDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 131:3 9612 hope, in God Psalm 131:1-3 5058 rest, spiritual Library The Duty of Self-Denial.
"Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child."--Psalm cxxxi. 2. Self-denial of some kind or other is involved, as is evident, in the very notion of renewal and holy obedience. To change our hearts is to learn to love things which we do not naturally love--to unlearn the love of this world; but this involves, of course, a thwarting of our natural wishes and tastes. To be righteous and obedient implies self-command; but to …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIIPrayer for Humility. --Ps. cxxxi.
Prayer for Humility.--Ps. cxxxi. Lord, for ever at Thy side, Let my place and portion be; Strip me of the robe of pride, Clothe me with humility. Meekly may my soul receive All Thy Spirit hath reveal'd, Thou hast spoken;--I believe Though the prophecy were seal'd. Quiet as a weanèd child, Weanèd from the mother's breast, By no subtlety beguiled, On thy faithful word I rest. Saints! rejoicing evermore, In the Lord Jehovah trust; Him in all his ways adore, Wise, and wonderful, and …
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns Lord, for ever at Thy Side
[1176]Seymour: Arr. from Carl Maria von Weber (1786-1826) Psalm 131 James Montgomery, 1822 DOXOLOGY Lord, for ever at thy side Let my place and portion be: Strip me of the robe of pride, Clothe me with humility. Meekly may my soul receive, All thy Spirit hath revealed; Thou hast spoken; I believe, Though the oracle be sealed. Humble as a little child, Weanèd from the mother's breast, By no subtleties beguiled, On thy faithful word I rest. Israel now and evermore, In the Lord Jehovah trust; …
Various—The Hymnal of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the USA Children and Childlike Men
'And they brought young children to Him, that He should touch them: and His disciples rebuked those that brought them. 14. But when Jesus saw it, He was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. 15. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.' --Mark x. 13-15. It was natural that the parents should have wanted Christ's blessing, so …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Continued.
In addition to the psalms already considered, which are devoted to the devout contemplation of nature, and stand in close connection with David's early days, there still remains one universally admitted to be his. The twenty-ninth psalm, like both the preceding, has to do with the glory of God as revealed in the heavens, and with earth only as the recipient of skyey influences; but while these breathed the profoundest tranquillity, as they watched the silent splendour of the sun, and the peace of …
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David That the Ruler Should be Discreet in Keeping Silence, Profitable in Speech.
The ruler should be discreet in keeping silence, profitable in speech; lest he either utter what ought to be suppressed or suppress what he ought to utter. For, as incautious speaking leads into error, so indiscreet silence leaves in error those who might have been instructed. For often improvident rulers, fearing to lose human favour, shrink timidly from speaking freely the things that are right; and, according to the voice of the Truth (Joh. x. 12), serve unto the custody of the flock by no means …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great The Upbringing of Jewish Children
The tenderness of the bond which united Jewish parents to their children appears even in the multiplicity and pictorialness of the expressions by which the various stages of child-life are designated in the Hebrew. Besides such general words as "ben" and "bath"--"son" and "daughter"--we find no fewer than nine different terms, each depicting a fresh stage of life. The first of these simply designates the babe as the newly--"born"--the "jeled," or, in the feminine, "jaldah"--as in Exodus 2:3, 6, 8. …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial.
The divisions of the chapter are,--I. The rule which permits us not to go astray in the study of righteousness, requires two things, viz., that man, abandoning his own will, devote himself entirely to the service of God; whence it follows, that we must seek not our own things, but the things of God, sec. 1, 2. II. A description of this renovation or Christian life taken from the Epistle to Titus, and accurately explained under certain special heads, sec. 3 to end. 1. ALTHOUGH the Law of God contains …
Archpriest John Iliytch Sergieff—On the Christian Life Blessed are the Poor in Spirit
Having spoken of the general notion of blessedness, I come next to consider the subjects of this blessedness, and these our Saviour has deciphered to be the poor in spirit, the mourners, etc. But before I touch upon these, I shall attempt a little preface or paraphrase upon this sermon of the beatitudes. 1 Observe the divinity in this sermon, which goes beyond all philosophy. The philosophers use to say that one contrary expels another; but here one contrary begets another. Poverty is wont to expel …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 131:3 NIVPsalm 131:3 NLTPsalm 131:3 ESVPsalm 131:3 NASBPsalm 131:3 KJV
Psalm 131:3 Commentaries
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