As an ascent of David, Ps 131 is remarkably and appropriately brief. The length serves as a poetic device to emphasize the psalmist's main idea. If David were to go on and on expressing lengthy lamentations or desperate appeals, the form would contradict the theme. As it stands in its beautiful simplicity, the tone of Ps 131 breathes a sigh of peaceful contentment. While the song itself contains just 3 short verses in our translations today, the many chapters documenting the life and calling of David elsewhere in the scriptures provide an extensive context for this song. Given this record, David's heart expressed in this song is a striking testimony to peace surpassing understanding.