Guard Me as Your Precious Pupil: Covenant Protection and Divine Care
David appeals to God’s specialized love to guard him as the apple of His eye and hide him under His wings from the surrounding wicked.
Psalms 17:6–9 (BSB)
6 I call on You, O God, for You will answer me. Incline Your ear to me; hear my words.
7 Show the wonders of Your loving devotion, You who save by Your right hand those who seek refuge from their foes.
8 Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings
9 from the wicked who assail me, from my mortal enemies who surround me.
What is the big idea of Psalms 17:6–9?
David appeals to God’s specialized love to guard him as the apple of His eye and hide him under His wings from the surrounding wicked.
How does Psalms 17:6–9 point to Christ?
Jesus is the 'Apple of the Father's Eye' who allowed Himself to be struck by His enemies so that we could be hidden forever in the 'shadow of His wings'; through His death, He has shown us the ultimate 'wonder of great love'.
Authorial Intent
To petition for miraculous divine protection based on the intimate covenant relationship between God and His faithful subject, utilizing metaphors of maternal and anatomical care.
Chapter: Psalm 17
Vindication, Refuge, and Satisfaction in God’s Face
The righteous entrust vindication and protection to the LORD, because their final satisfaction is not this world’s portion but seeing God’s face.