John Calvin Commentary Psalms 86:1

"Bow down thine ear, O Jehovah, and answer me; For I am poor and needy." — Psalms 86:1 (ASV)

Incline your ear, O Jehovah! Neither the inscription nor the contents of this psalm enable us to conclude with certainty what dangers David here complains of. However, the psalm in all probability refers to that period of his life when he was persecuted by Saul, and describes the train of thought that then occupied his mind, although it may not have been written until after his restoration to a state of outward peace and tranquility, when he enjoyed greater leisure. He does not without cause present before God the oppressions he endured as a plea for obtaining divine favor; for nothing is more suitable to the nature of God than to help the afflicted. Indeed, the more severely anyone is oppressed, and the more destitute they are of human aid, the more inclined God is to graciously help them. Therefore, so that despair does not overwhelm our minds in our greatest afflictions, let us support ourselves with the consideration that the Holy Spirit has dictated this prayer for the poor and the afflicted.