The Apple of His Eye

In a desert land he found him, in a barren howling waste. He shielded him and cares for him; he guarded him as the apple of his eye. Deuteronomy 32:10  

For thus says the Lord of hosts "After glory He sent me against the nations which plunder you, for he touches you, touches the apple of His eye." Zechariah 2:8

Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 17:8

Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. Proverbs 7:2

Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness" Genesis 1:26

Recently I read "the apple of his eye" twice in different places and said to myself, "I feel a devotion coming on.”

In Hebrew apple is "ishon" and means man. If you stand very close to someone you can see your reflection in the pupil of their eye. That's the man in the center of the eye. The ishon is "The little man of the eye." Your eye is a very sensitive place and it is very protected. Your eyelids rapidly close when danger is propelling too close. Your head turns, and your hands ward off a threat. Deuteronomy reflects Israel's vulnerability and God's tender, loving affection for his people. God provided complete protection; His people were a priority. In the "howling wilderness", God provided manna to eat, water from a rock, and safety from their enemies. His care was as automatic as if He was guarding the center of his eye from harm.

In Genesis we learn that God created man in his own image. When God looks closely into your eye, He sees himself. We are the apple of His eye and He loves us dearly.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for making us the apple of your eye. Thank you for your unending grace and love. Thank you for protecting us and guarding us when we are vulnerable. Help us remember the care you give to us in all circumstances. Amen

Nancy Hall