Psalm 86:1

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

Study Bible

Incline Your ear
The phrase "Incline Your ear" is a poetic expression that signifies a request for God's attentive listening. The Hebrew root for "incline" is "natah," which means to stretch out or bend. This imagery suggests a personal and intimate action from God, as if He is bending down to listen closely to the psalmist's plea. In the ancient Near Eastern context, this reflects the relationship between a supplicant and a king, where the king's willingness to listen was a sign of favor and grace. For believers, it is a reminder of God's accessibility and His readiness to hear the cries of His people.

O LORD
The term "LORD" in all capital letters is a translation of the Hebrew "YHWH," the sacred and personal name of God revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14. This name signifies God's eternal existence and His covenantal faithfulness. By invoking this name, the psalmist is appealing to God's character and His promises. It is a call to the God who is both transcendent and immanent, the Creator who is also intimately involved with His creation.

and answer me
The plea "and answer me" reflects a deep desire for a response from God. The Hebrew word "anah" means to respond or reply, indicating that the psalmist is not only seeking God's attention but also His intervention. This reflects a faith that God is not silent or indifferent but is actively engaged in the lives of His people. It is a call for divine action, rooted in the belief that God is both willing and able to respond to the needs of His children.

for I am poor and needy
The description "poor and needy" highlights the psalmist's humble and desperate condition. The Hebrew words "ani" (poor) and "ebyon" (needy) convey a state of vulnerability and dependence. In the biblical context, these terms often describe those who are materially impoverished or oppressed, but they also carry a spiritual dimension, representing those who recognize their need for God's grace and mercy. This acknowledgment of need is a prerequisite for receiving God's help, as it reflects a heart that is open to His provision and guidance. It serves as a reminder that in our weakness, God's strength is made perfect (2 Corinthians 12:9).

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.