I am sure you have heard the statement, “You are the apple of my eye.” It is used to communicate that someone is very important to you or that you are extremely fond of them. Biblically speaking, it also suggests a desire to guard and protect the beloved. The Scripture uses a form of this statement in Deuteronomy 32:10, Psalm 17:8, Proverbs 7:2, Lamentations 2:18, and Zechariah 2:8.
The prophet Zechariah reminds his readers – the exiles that have returned to a city in shambles and a temple in ruins – that God is jealous for them and that He does not condone their ill-treatment:
For this is what the Lord Almighty says: “After the Glorious One has sent me against the nations that have plundered you – for whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye – I will surely raise my hand against them so that their slaves will plunder them. Then you will know that the Lord Almighty has sent me.” (Zechariah 2:8-9)
As a matter of fact, in Zechariah’s third night vision, God repeatedly promises Israel of His protective presence. Three times the Lord reminds them that His glory that departed according to Ezekiel 10-12 will return again: “I will be the glory in [Jerusalem’s] midst… Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for behold, I come and I will dwell in your midst, declares the Lord… I will dwell in your midst, and you shall know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you” (Zech 2:5, 10-11). God, who is faithful to His promises, repeatedly assures His people that He will make His dwelling among them again.
What an incredible promise! The compassionate and merciful God will once again make His home with His people. Believer, you are the apple of God’s eye! He is jealous for you and, for His name’s sake and for the good of those He loves, He came and made His dwelling among us (John 1:14). God, the Son, walked among us, entered our suffering, and served as sacrificial Priest and just King. Even now, He remains near and indwells every believer. “Sing and rejoice!”
Psalm 17:6-9 (NIV) – “I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer. Show me the wonders of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes. Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings from the wicked who are out to destroy me, from my mortal enemies who surround me.”