John Calvin Commentary Psalms 120:1

"In my distress I cried unto Jehovah, And he answered me." — Psalms 120:1 (ASV)

I cried to Jehovah in my distress. The name of the author of the Psalm is not stated, but its style throughout presents David to our view. Therefore, although I cannot positively affirm it, I am rather inclined to think that it was composed by him. Nor will it be improper, in my judgment, to explain it as if his name had been mentioned in the inscription.

Assuming this, then, I would observe that although David, in this verse, affirms that the Lord had heard him and gives thanks, his chief purpose was still to set forth, in the form of a complaint, how wickedly and cruelly Saul’s flatterers employed all their ingenuity and power to accomplish his destruction.

He begins, however, with an expression of his gratitude to God, telling us that he had not called upon Him in vain. He does this so that by his own example he might encourage others to confidence in prayer, especially when oppressed with adversity.

People, it is true, need God’s help every moment; but there is no more suitable time for seeking Him than when some great danger is immediately menacing us.

It is therefore noteworthy that he was heard when, constrained and confined by tribulation, he sought God's protection.