Psalm 86:1

Incline Your ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.

Study Bible

A prayer of David.
This psalm is attributed to David, the second king of Israel, known for his deep relationship with God and his authorship of many psalms. David's life was marked by both triumphs and trials, making his prayers deeply personal and relatable. The title indicates that this is a prayer, highlighting the psalm's nature as a direct communication with God. David's prayers often reflect his reliance on God, a theme consistent throughout his life, as seen in 1 Samuel 13:14, where he is described as a man after God's own heart.

Incline Your ear, O LORD,
The phrase "Incline Your ear" is a plea for God's attention and intervention. It reflects the ancient Near Eastern cultural understanding of gods as beings who could be petitioned for help. The use of "LORD" in all caps signifies the Hebrew name YHWH, the covenant name of God, emphasizing a personal relationship. This request for God to listen is echoed in other scriptures, such as Psalm 17:6 and Psalm 31:2, where the psalmist seeks God's attentive presence.

and answer me,
David seeks a response from God, indicating his belief in a living, responsive deity. This expectation of divine interaction is a central tenet of biblical faith, contrasting with the impersonal nature of pagan gods. The request for an answer underscores the urgency and sincerity of David's prayer, as seen in other psalms like Psalm 4:1 and Psalm 102:2, where the psalmist calls for God's immediate response.

for I am poor and needy.
David describes himself as "poor and needy," terms that convey both material and spiritual dependence. Despite his status as king, David acknowledges his vulnerability and need for God's provision and protection. This humility is a recurring theme in scripture, as seen in Matthew 5:3, where Jesus blesses the "poor in spirit." The acknowledgment of need is a prerequisite for receiving God's grace and mercy, as illustrated in James 4:6, which states that God gives grace to the humble.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The author of this psalm, David is often seen as a man after God's own heart. He frequently turned to God in times of distress, demonstrating a deep reliance on divine help.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal presence and faithfulness to His people. David calls upon Yahweh, highlighting a personal relationship and trust in God's character.

3. The Psalmist's Condition
David describes himself as "poor and needy," indicating a state of humility and dependence on God for deliverance and provision.

Teaching Points

The Posture of Humility
David's acknowledgment of being "poor and needy" is a model for believers to approach God with humility, recognizing our dependence on His grace and mercy.

God's Attentive Ear
The request for God to "incline Your ear" assures us that God is attentive to the cries of His people. We can have confidence that our prayers are heard.

Persistent Prayer
David's example encourages us to be persistent in prayer, continually bringing our needs before God, trusting in His timing and provision.

Trust in God's Character
By calling on the LORD, David demonstrates trust in God's unchanging nature. Believers are reminded to rely on God's faithfulness and covenant promises.

Spiritual Poverty
Recognizing our spiritual poverty apart from Christ is crucial. This awareness should drive us to seek God's presence and provision in every aspect of our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's description of himself as "poor and needy" challenge our understanding of humility in prayer?

2. In what ways can we be assured that God hears our prayers, as David requests God to "incline Your ear"?

3. How does the concept of spiritual poverty influence our daily walk with Christ and our interactions with others?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to cultivate a posture of humility and dependence on God in our prayer life?

5. How do other scriptures, such as James 4:10 and 1 Peter 5:7, reinforce the themes found in Psalm 86:1, and how can these connections deepen our faith?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 40:17
This verse echoes the theme of being "poor and needy," where David again calls upon the Lord for help, showing a consistent pattern of reliance on God.

James 4:10
This New Testament passage speaks to the principle of humbling oneself before the Lord, which aligns with David's posture in Psalm 86:1.

1 Peter 5:7
Encourages believers to cast their anxieties on God, reflecting David's action of bringing his needs before the Lord.