Albert Barnes Commentary Psalms 131:3

"O Israel, hope in Jehovah From this time forth and for evermore." — Psalms 131:3 (ASV)

Let Israel hope in the Lord ... — The connection would seem to require us to understand this as the assertion of the one who had been accused of thoughts that seemed too lofty.

As the result of all his reflections (those reflections for which he was rebuked and charged with pride, but which were really conceived in a modest spirit)—as expressing what he saw that seemed to be in advance of what others saw, or to indicate a habit of thought beyond his years—he says there were reasons why Israel should hope in the Lord.

There was a foundation for confident trust; there was that in the divine character which was a just ground for reliance; there was that in the course of events—in the tendencies of things—which made it proper for the people of God, for the church, to hope, to confide, to feel assured of its ultimate and permanent safety.

This would indicate the nature of the suggestions he had expressed, which had exposed him to the charge of arrogance. It would also indicate a ripe and mature habit of thinking, beyond what might be expected from someone so young.

All this was probably applicable to David in his early years, regarding the reflections that might have foreshadowed what he would be in the future.

This was eminently applicable to David’s Descendant—greater than he—who, at twelve years of age, astonished the Hebrew doctors in the temple with his understanding and answers (Luke 2:47).

This gives a beautiful view of modesty joined with uncommon gifts in early life; this shows what is always the nature of true religion—as producing modesty and as prompting to hope.