or they will shred my soul like a lion
David takes refuge in the LORD and asks to be saved from pursuers before they tear him like a lion with no rescuer.
This verse establishes the urgency and helplessness of the situation.
1A Shiggaion of David, which he sang to the LORD concerning the words of Cush, a Benjamite. 2or they will shred my soul like a lion 3O LORD my God, if I have done this, 4if I have rewarded my ally with evil, 5then may my enemy pursue me and overtake me; 6Arise, O LORD, in Your anger; 7Let the assembled peoples gather around You; 8The LORD judges the peoples; 9Put an end to the evil of the wicked, 10My shield is with God, 11God is a righteous judge 12If one does not repent, 13He has prepared His deadly weapons; 14Behold, the wicked man travails with evil; 15He has dug a hole and hollowed it out; 16His trouble recoils on himself, 17I will thank the LORD for His righteousness