December 22, 2021 — Deuteronomy 32:8-12 – “Apple of my Eye”

“When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance, when he divided all mankind, he set up boundaries for the peoples according to the number of the sons of Israel. For the Lord’s portion is his people, Jacob his allotted inheritance. In a desert land he found him, in a barren and howling waste. He shielded him and cared for him; he guarded him as the apple of his eye, like an eagle that stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, that spreads its wings to catch them and carries them aloft. The Lord alone led him; no foreign god was with him.” Deuteronomy 32:8-12 

“Apple of my eye:” The Book of Deuteronomy first used this phrase in Hebrew, and Shakespeare (surprise, surprise) popularized its English use in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” In spite of many years separating them, both eras believed the human pupil to have a solid, apple-like shape. This idiom was originally used in a literal sense, but over time metamorphosed into a term of endearment. 

In terms of the Bible, we must remember that, if G-d has Jacob as the “apple of his eye” it is a good and positive thing. It implies G-d’s watchful care and indicates that G-d values his people and centers his attention on them much like a doting parent. 

Thus, the expression “apple of his eye” refers to the pupil of the eye, the center of the eye, and implies G-d keeps us at the center of G-d’s watchful eye. This expression is not just a poetic description, it is a truth about G-d — who holds us at the center of where G-d can see us, and focuses on us because we are valued by G-d. 

Let us pray,

Lord Jesus, help us to remember that you look upon us with eyes of love and a heart that cares for us. Help us to know that we are the apple of your eye. Amen.

Pastor Dave