APPLE OF HIS EYE

“… for whoever touches the apple of His eye I will surely raise my hand against them” Zechariah 2:8

“He shielded Him (Israel) and cared for him; He guarded him as the apple of His eye Duet 32:10

The apple here in context refers to the pupil of the eye, the most sensitive precious part of the eye. It’s the pupil which is essential for seeing clearly and is closely protected by the eyelid.

It conveys the idea of tenderness, care, and close protection. God is portrayed as offering a similar level of protection and care. The phrase emphasizes God's special love for Israel.

God is reaffirming Israel’s status as a cherished and beloved nation, and He has chosen to receive blessings and be a light to the nations.

Does that mean everything Israel does God approves? Far from it. In actuality because of this special care, He requires far more from them.

Remember he sent them into captivity twice because of their sin. Into Babylon for 70 years and then in AD70 into captivity and destruction to the nations for 2000 years by the Romans. At that time over 1 million people died in the siege of Jerusalem, men women, and children. The judgment fell upon all of them. There was no special exemption for women and children. Then they went through the holocaust but God always promised to bring them back to the land. The million-dollar question is does this promise still stand for Israel? The apple of His eye. There is no place in scripture where this has ever changed. God's covenant promises made to Israel's fathers still stand. God's protection and care is still upon Israel to fulfill his purposes and plans for them as a nation. Be careful how you treat Israel because it won't end well with you. As God said I will raise my hand against those who come against my people.