Psalm 131
A song of ascents. Of David.
My heart is not proud, LORD, my eyes are not haughty ("mine eyes lofty — Either to look with envy on those that are above me, or with disdain on those that are below me." Benson Commentary);
I do not concern myself with great matters (I do not walk after greatness, aspire to be great)
or things too wonderful for me (to be wonderful).
But I have calmed (made myself to be like, to resemble a child)
and quieted myself (I am at rest, silent, still, I tarry, I wait),
I am like a weaned child with its mother; (like a weaned child resting, milk-drunk)
like a weaned child I am content. (full, bountifully dealt with, my soul breathes contentment)
Israel, put your hope in (wait for, patiently wait for) the LORD both now and forevermore.
The amplifications above are from definitions by the Benson Commentary, Strong's Exhaustive Concordance and The Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon – except for the "milk-drunk" part. I added that because, to me, that is what this Psalm is describing: a milk-drunk baby.
"Milk Drunk, definition: when a baby is so well-fed and happy that they pass out in your arms, give a tinge of a smile, and have little drops of milk dripping down their perfect little cheeks." https://milk-drunk.com/the-story-behind-milk-drunk/
milk-drunk- adjective 1. the state in which a baby's physical and mental faculties are impaired by an excess of breast milk. This occurs right after a baby breastfeeds. -- Urban Dictionary
I love these definitions – a baby so overwhelmed by the bountiful abundance of the breast that she just passes out, faculties impaired.
Have you ever seen a milk-drunk baby? One who has fallen asleep at the breast, completely satisfied, completely relaxed like a rag doll.
Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul; Like a weaned child [resting] with his mother, My soul is like a weaned child within me [composed and freed from discontent]. Psalm 131:2 (AMP)
If I only could attain to that rest! Although attaining the rest of a weaned child, I guess, is an oxymoron. No, not to strive for it, but that my soul (that which breathes, my breathing substance, my very being) could just fall on Him. That I could breathe contentment, could be calmed and quieted, leaning on His breast, trusting, resting, completely satisfied, not trying to do great things, or be wonderful, or earn His love or anybody else's. Just passed out on His abundant breast, undone in His Presence.
Who is this coming up from the wilderness leaning on her beloved? Song of Solomon 8:5
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29
Photo, Rowan milk drunk, by Jen https://flic.kr/p/5P3YVr
For more delightful photos of milk-drunk babies see cafemom
No comments:
Post a Comment