John Calvin Commentary Psalms 31:2

"Bow down thine ear unto me; deliver me speedily: Be thou to me a strong rock, A house of defence to save me." — Psalms 31:2 (ASV)

incline thine ear unto me. These words express with how much ardor David’s soul was stimulated to pray. He does not affect splendid or ornate language, as rhetoricians are accustomed to do, but only describes in suitable figures the vehemence of his desire. In praying that he may be delivered speedily, the greatness of his danger is shown, as if he had said, My life will soon be over, unless God acts quickly to help me. By the words, house of defense, fortress, and rock, he intimates that, being unable to resist his enemies, his hope rests only on the protection of God.