Do you think of someone at the apple of your eye? Or, do you know someone, perhaps a doting grandparent, who thought of you in that way? Someone who cherished you above all others?

The phrase originates in the Old Testament. David, in a prayer of distress, asked the Lord to keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings. The phrase first appeared in Deuteronomy 32:10, in a description of the Lord’s care for Israel, and David referred back to this picture of protection.

The use of apple in the phrase is an English addition. The original Hebrew means something like the little man of the eye, referring to the reflection of yourself in someone else’s pupil. This requires focus and attention on the part of the listener. You exist square in the middle of their eyes, no flitting around and no gazing in the distance.

Square in the middle of God’s eye. Sort of intimidating. On the other hand, living as the apple of God’s eye feels remarkable, ridiculous even. That’s the point David makes—God’s love for us is ridiculous—and we should appeal for more.

Bask in that for awhile.

Psalm 17 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Paolo Bendandi