Psalms 17:8
Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Psalms 17:8
Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse highlights a profound contrast: God's protection is not passive, but requires us to actively "hide" ourselves within it. It's not just about God's power to shield us, but our deliberate choice to dwell in His presence, as we would instinctively shield the most vulnerable part of ourselves.
David finds himself surrounded by enemies who are plotting his destruction, and in this desperate situation, he cries out to God for protection. He appeals to God's character as a protector of those who trust Him, describing his vulnerability and his longing for the intimate care only God can provide. This plea for refuge in God's presence flows directly from his distress and the perceived threat to his life.
Ever wondered what the 'apple of the eye' really means? It's more than just a saying; it points to something incredibly fragile and precious.
The phrase 'apple of the eye' is a fascinating idiom. In the original Hebrew, it's literally translated to something like 'little man, daughter of the eye.' This refers to the pupil of the eye, in which you see a miniature reflection of yourself – a 'little man' or 'daughter' within the eye.
Why is this significant?
God's protection isn't just about keeping dangers away; it's about drawing us into His presence for safety and warmth.
The second part of David's plea, 'hide me in the shadow of your wings,' paints a picture of deep security. This isn't just about being out of sight; it's about being enveloped in divine care.
What this image conveys:
Understand the original words
ishown · Hebrew Noun
A metaphor for something highly precious, delicate, and vulnerable that requires intense protection. Being the "apple" of God's eye signifies being the object of His focused care and special affection.
tsel kanaph · Hebrew Noun phrase
A symbolic image representing God’s protective presence. It recalls the imagery of a mother bird shielding her young, emphasizing safety, intimacy, and the security found in dwelling under God's care.
This passage uses the same imagery of being kept as the pupil of God's eye, establishing a clear thematic link of divine protection over the vulnerable.
Matthew 23:37Jesus Himself quotes this imagery of sheltering wings, applying it to His desire to protect His people, showing the enduring tenderness and care implied in the Psalm.
Psalm 36:7This Psalm echoes the plea for refuge under God's wings, reinforcing the idea of finding safety and shelter in God's presence during times of danger.
Psalm 91:4This well-known Psalm reiterates the metaphor of God's faithfulness being like a covering and faithfulness like a shield, mirroring the protective imagery used in Psalm 17:8.
Zechariah 2:8This prophecy directly states that anyone who touches God's people is touching the pupil of His eye, underscoring the profound value and protection God affords those who belong to Him.
calvinPsalms 17:7-9: "Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them."
- Make marvellous thy mercies, O thou preserver of those who trust [in thee, [359] ] from those that exalt themselves against thy right hand. 8. Keep me as the apple, the daughter of the eye [360] hide me in the shadow of thy wings. 9. From the face of the ungodly, who go about to destroy me; and of mine enemies, who besiege [or enco…
clarkePsalms 17:8: "Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,"
Keep me as the apple of the eye - Or, as the black of the daughter of eye. Take as much care to preserve me now by Divine influence, as thou hast to preserve my eye by thy good providence. Thou hast entrenched it deeply in the skull; hast ramparted it with the forehead and cheek-bones; defended it by the eyebrow, eyelids, and eyelashes; and placed it in that situation where the hands can best protect it. Hide…
This verse highlights a profound contrast: God's protection is not passive, but requires us to actively "hide" ourselves within it. It's not just about God's power to shield us, but our deliberate choice to dwell in His presence, as we would instinctively shield the most vulnerable part of ourselves.
David finds himself surrounded by enemies who are plotting his destruction, and in this desperate situation, he cries out to God for protection. He appeals to God's character as a protector of those who trust Him, describing his vulnerability and his longing for the intimate care only God can provide. This plea for refuge in God's presence flows directly from his distress and the perceived threat to his life.
David finds himself surrounded by enemies who are plotting his destruction, and in this desperate situation, he cries out to God for protection. He appeals to God's character as a protector of those who trust Him, describing his vulnerability and his longing for the intimate care only God can provide. This plea for refuge in God's presence flows directly from his distress and the perceived threat to his life.
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David isn't just asking to be left alone; he's asking to be brought into God's protective embrace.
"Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings," — This verse highlights a profound contrast: God's protection is not passive, but requires us to actively "hide" ourselves within it. It's not just about God's power to shield us, but our deliberate ch…