Psalms – Chapter 131

Old Testament • 18 Verses

Chapter Summary

"A gradual canticle. O Lord, remember David, and all his meekness." — so begins Psalms 131. The chapter centers on David and Jacob. Across its 18 verses, two threads run through the text: justice and care for the poor and God's covenant promises. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1A gradual canticle. O Lord, remember David, and all his meekness.

2How he swore to the Lord, he vowed a vow to the God of Jacob:

3If I shall enter into the tabernacle of my house: if I shall go up into the bed wherein I lie:

4If I shall give sleep to my eyes, or slumber to my eyelids,

5Or rest to my temples: until I find out a place for the Lord, a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.

6Behold we have heard of it in Ephrata: we have found it in the fields of the wood.

7We will go into his tabernacle: we will adore in the place where his feet stood.

8Arise, O Lord, into thy resting place: thou and the ark, which thou hast sanctified.

9Let thy priests be clothed with justice: and let thy saints rejoice.

10For thy servant David's sake, turn not away the face of thy anointed.

11The Lord hath sworn truth to David, and he will not make it void: of the fruit of thy womb I will set upon thy throne.

12If thy children will keep my covenant, and these my testimonies which I shall teach them: Their children also for evermore shall sit upon thy throne.

13For the Lord hath chosen Sion: he hath chosen it for his dwelling.

14This is my rest for ever and ever: here will I dwell, for I have chosen it.

15Blessing I will bless her widow: I will satisfy her poor with bread.

16I will clothe her priests with salvation, and her saints shall rejoice with exceeding great joy.

17There will I bring forth a horn to David: I have prepared a lamp for my anointed.

18His enemies I will clothe with confusion: but upon him shall my sanctification flourish.

Important Verses in Psalms 131

“A gradual canticle. O Lord, remember David, and all his meekness.”

Psalms 131:1

“Or rest to my temples: until I find out a place for the Lord, a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.”

Psalms 131:5

“The Lord hath sworn truth to David, and he will not make it void: of the fruit of thy womb I will set upon thy throne.”

Psalms 131:11

“I will clothe her priests with salvation, and her saints shall rejoice with exceeding great joy.”

Psalms 131:16

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, Psalms was written with god's people at prayer in every age in view. Chapter 131 of 150 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 18 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. David and Jacob appear at the center of the events recorded here. It opens with the line: "A gradual canticle. O Lord, remember David, and all his meekness." The chapter ends with: "His enemies I will clothe with confusion: but upon him shall my sanctification flourish. " Read against its original backdrop, The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

This psalm is a prayer-poem that Israel sang in Temple worship and private devotion. A pivotal line is verse 1: "A gradual canticle. O Lord, remember David, and all his meekness." The passage repeatedly touches on justice and care for the poor.

Catholic exegesis reads Psalms 131 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). St. Jerome and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 74).

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Psalms 131 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • ✓God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.
  • ✓God binds Himself to His people by covenant, and He never breaks His word.
  • ✓God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.

People in This Chapter

David4 mentionsJacob2 mentions

Reflection for Today

Psalms Chapter 131, containing 18 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation, offers a distinct passage for prayer and meditation.

The Magisterium teaches that every biblical passage must be read in light of Christ, the center of Scripture (CIC 1032). Here the emphasis falls on courage in witness to the Gospel, which shapes how the Church understands prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God.

If this passage raises questions, seek the Church's teaching through the Catechism, a faithful priest, or sound Catholic commentaries. Private interpretation must remain in harmony with the Magisterium (CIC 1362).

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 131 about?

Psalms 131 contains 18 verses. It opens with "A gradual canticle. O Lord, remember David, and all his meekness." and closes with "His enemies I will clothe with confusion: but upon him shall my sanctification flourish. ". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 131?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "A gradual canticle. O Lord, remember David, and all his meekness." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Psalms Chapter 131?

This chapter mentions David, Jacob.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Related Chapters

Jeremiah 33Shares people and themes with this chapterAmos 6Shares people and themes with this chapter2 Samuel 23Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Prayer for the Poor🙏Prayer for the World🙏The Magnificat🙏The Nicene Creed

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