Do you ever read verses in the Bible without really studying them? I certainly confess to doing so. Sometimes the Scripture in question might seem fairly understandable so we just pass by it. But I have learned over the years that a Study Bible is such a help in taking "understandable" verses and showing us that there really is so much more to be learned than from a very cursory glance when we think we know what is being communicated.
Case in point: "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." (Psalm 17:8)
This is a beautiful image that makes us feel safe and special, right? As humans we all long to be the "apple of the eye" to someone we love. How wonderful is it that God feels that way about us? He will love us, protect us, and restrain our enemies. That would be my simple summary.
But bring on someone like Charles Spurgeon to explain this passage, and I feel foolish for my almost casual assessment of that one verse. Listen to his explanation and encouragement, and realize how much God really does think of us as the "apple of HIS eye." Very lovely!
"In the providence of God, the pupil of the eye is defended with peculiar care and transcendent skill; those who have studied the formation of the pupil itself will tell you with how many coats the retina is preserved. The most common observer knows how the eyebrows, the eyelashes, and the eyelids are formed as outworks, fences, and barricades to protect the pupil of the eye, which is thus made to dwell securely like a citizen within the entrenchments of a fortified town. Being one of the tenderest organs of the physical frame, the eye should be well preserved, in view of its exceeding sensitiveness. Nor is it merely sheltered in its own fortification, but sentries keep watch lest it should be exposed to peril. Whenever it is threatened with even the appearance of danger, no time is lost in consultation with ourselves; but with agility so brisk that it seems almost involuntary, the arm is lifted up and the hand is raised to screen it from harm or to resist attack. And if we are about to stumble, we naturally put out our hands to save our eyes. Instinct seems to teach us the value of eyesight, and our whole strength is put forth to preserve it. In fact, all the members of the body may be regarded as a patrol for the safekeeping of the eyes, and all the incorporated human powers are in constant vigilance to guard and protect that precious orb. Likewise the Lord has been pleased to surround his people with the strong bastions of his providence. And just as our eyes are protected and cared for even in our sleep, so the Lord's care and protection of us is constant."
In another place Spurgeon uses this same verse to speak of the attributes of God. (Emphasis mine.)
"The one who prays intelligently must have some knowledge of the God to whom he prays. He has learned the uselessness of all other sources of protection. The invocation is addressed to God, for he is well aware that no other can respond to his call or intervene for his aid. He who uses the prayer intelligently perceives the omniscience of Jehovah, who, better than a hundred eyes, can see all his foes from whichever quarter they may come. He believes also in God's omnipotence, that no assailant is so strong as he who is Israel's refuge and fortress. or is there any danger so imminent that he cannot anticipate and avert it. He relies, moreover, on the love of God whose willing heart will support his interests; he relies on the faithfulness of God to show the mercy promised to the fathers and on the unchangeableness of God who will never turn back but finally achieve the salvation of his servant and protect him to the end."
