Connect Zechariah 2:8 with Psalm 17:8 regarding God's care for His people. Setting the Scene: Zechariah 2:8 “For this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘After His glory has sent Me against the nations that plundered you—for whoever touches you touches the apple of His eye.’” (Zechariah 2:8) • Post-exilic Judah was fragile, surrounded by hostile powers. • God announces judgment on those nations, anchoring His promise in His own glory and reputation. • The phrase “apple of His eye” (lit. “pupil”) pictures sensitive, guarded vision—damage to it would be intolerable. David’s Plea: Psalm 17:8 “Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings.” (Psalm 17:8) • David appeals to covenant love while fleeing unjust pursuers (cf. Psalm 17:9-12). • Combining “apple of Your eye” with “shadow of Your wings” blends intimacy and shielding power (cf. Ruth 2:12). • His request presumes God’s constant watchfulness and nearness. The Shared Image: Tender, Jealously Guarded Vision • Eye-pupil language appears first in Deuteronomy 32:10, applied to Israel in the wilderness. • In Zechariah, God speaks; in Psalms, a believer speaks. Both assume: – Unbreakable covenant ownership (Isaiah 43:1). – Immediate divine reaction to harm (Zechariah 2:9). – Value determined by God, not circumstances (Malachi 3:17). Layers of Divine Protection 1. Physical—He restrains or overthrows oppressors (2 Kings 19:35-37; Zechariah 2:9). 2. Emotional—He comforts the fearful (Isaiah 41:10). 3. Eternal—He secures souls beyond death (John 10:28-29). 4. Corporate and personal—Zechariah addresses the nation; David prays as an individual, showing no believer is too small for His care (Matthew 10:29-31). Why God Speaks So Strongly • His own glory: “For My own sake, for My own sake, I will act” (Isaiah 48:11). • His covenant promises: sworn oaths to Abraham, David, and the New Covenant in Christ (Genesis 17:7; 2 Samuel 7:16; Luke 22:20). • His Father-heart delight: “You are precious and honored in My sight, and because I love you” (Isaiah 43:4). Living in the Warm Glow of His Care • Remember identity: You are bought with blood; you matter to the King (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). • Rest under His wings: run first to prayer, not panic (Philippians 4:6-7). • Resist fear: threats to God’s “pupil” provoke Him to act; trust His timing (Psalm 27:13-14). • Reflect His character: guard fellow believers with the same tenderness (1 John 3:16-18). Conclusion: One Image, One Heartbeat From a restored remnant in Zechariah to a fugitive king in the Psalms, God’s message is consistent: harming His people is like poking His eye. He feels it, He sees it, He responds. Cherish that watchful love, and walk boldly in its shelter. |
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