What is meant by being the apple of God's eye?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Several parts of the Bible use the expression “the apple of God’s [or His] eye.” Part of the Song of Moses in Deuteronomy describes Israel as “the apple of his [God’s] eye” to convey the love and care God showed toward His people (32:10). A similar use of that phrase is in the prophetic vision God gives Zechariah about the restoration of Israel (2:8). The phrase is used again in a more individual way in Psalm 17:8 when David requests that God deliver him from the wicked and protect him as “the apple of your eye.” Proverbs 7:2 uses the phrase, but not about people; instead, a father says it to show the value of the teachings he imparts to his son: “keep my teaching as the apple of your eye.” Being the apple of God's eye most often indicates the Lord’s love, care and protection of his people. Even today, God continues to watch over His people, guide our paths, and calls on us to prioritize Him in all things.

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FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Aaron prayed that God would turn his face and countenance toward Israel (Numbers 6:24-27).
• Deuteronomy 32 communicates the Lord's protective care of the Israelites while they were in the wilderness: "he encircled him, he cared for him, he kept him as the apple of his eye" (v. 10).
• David uses the phrase when he prays for protection from enemies in Psalm 17:8-9: "Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings, from the wicked who do me violence, my deadly enemies who surround me."
• In Proverbs, a son is being instructed in the ways of wisdom. He is told to keep the commands of wisdom: "My son, keep my words and treasure up my commandments with you; keep my commandments and live; keep my teaching as the apple of your eye" (Proverbs 7:1-2). This proverb may be directed toward a son, but it applies to all of us. The high value we should place on the teaching is indicated in where we are instructed to keep it - always in eyesight, our primary focus. Keeping the "teachings as the apple of your eye" is another way of emphasizing the life-saving power of obedience to the Lord’s Word ; in doing this we are kept safe.
• God’s eye was on the Jewish elders (Ezra 5:5).
• Through the prophet Zechariah, God reminds Israel that they are the apple of His eye (Zechariah 2:8).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• While the exact phrase isn't used in the New Testament, the concept of God's protective love and watchful care is present. For example, in Matthew 6:25-33, Jesus speaks of God's provision and care for His people, and in Luke 9:53, Jesus' focus on Jerusalem highlights the importance of God's guidance and attention. Though the phrase isn't used, the underlying idea of being deeply loved and protected by God is present throughout both testaments.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Being the apple of God's eye means that we are never forgotten or overlooked—His gaze is always upon us, guiding, protecting, and providing for us even when we fail to recognize it. His love is not conditioned on our perfection but remains steadfast, even when we are rebellious, struggling, or lost. Just as He watches over us, we are called to fix our eyes on Him, making His Word and His ways the center of our focus. When we prioritize God in our daily lives—seeking Him in prayer, obeying His commands, and trusting His plans—we experience the peace that comes from knowing we are secure in His care. Knowing that we are the apple of His eye helps us to live with the confidence that we are deeply loved, protected, and treasured by our Creator.

UNDERSTAND

• "Apple of God's eye" means we are the focus of God’s love, care, and protection.
• God refers to Israel as the apple of His eye.
• God calls His people to keep His teachings as the apple of our eye.

REFLECT

• How does knowing that God sees you and cares for you impact you?
• How are you keeping God's Word as the apple of your eye?
• How does the concept of being under God's constant watch and protection encourage you to trust Him more deeply, especially in uncertain situations?

ENGAGE

• What does being the apple of God’s eye reveal about God’s character and care for His people?
• How do you see God's protective care reflected in the stories of Israel, and how can these examples encourage us today?
• How can we remind ourselves daily that we are deeply loved and protected by God, even during difficult times?