Why does Psalm 17:8 ask God to treat the psalmist as “the apple of Your eye” if God is supposed to be impartial (Deuteronomy 10:17)? I. Scriptural Context Psalm 17:8 reads, “Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings.” Deuteronomy 10:17 declares that God “shows no partiality nor takes a bribe.” At first glance, some wonder whether asking to be “the apple of [God’s] eye” conflicts with the teaching that God treats all people with fairness. This entry explores the meaning behind this phrase, the nature of God’s loving favor, and how these concepts align with His impartial character. II. Meaning of “Apple of Your Eye” 1. Hebrew Idiom: The phrase “apple of the eye” (Hebrew: אִישׁוֹן, referring to the pupil) conveys the idea of something extremely precious and worthy of vigilant protection. By asking to be kept “as the apple of [God’s] eye,” the psalmist expresses a desire for intimate relationship and safeguarding by God. 2. Tender Protection: This idiom evokes the image of someone guarding their own eye—possibly the body part most instinctively protected. In Zechariah 2:8, God identifies His people in a similar manner, saying, “[H]e who touches you touches the apple of His eye.” The focus is on God’s cherishing attention rather than preferential treatment. 3. Covenantal Language: Throughout the Old Testament, God’s relationship to His people is covenantal. By using “apple of Your eye,” the psalmist draws on relational language that highlights God’s faithful care for those who trust Him. Far from demanding an arbitrary favoritism, it references the deep commitment God made to preserve His covenant people. III. God’s Impartiality Explained 1. Impartial But Not Indifferent: Deuteronomy 10:17 states that God “shows no partiality nor takes a bribe.” The text addresses God’s unwavering justice: He cannot be corrupted, nor does He treat anyone unjustly because of status or influence. This impartiality refers to God’s perfect righteousness in judgment and His equal standard for all. 2. Righteous Judgment and Merciful Love: God’s impartiality ensures that He deals with each person rightly and fairly. Yet fairness does not exclude graciousness; Scripture also teaches that God is loving and merciful (Psalm 103:8). Being “the apple of [God’s] eye” is not about God choosing favorites; it is about maintaining a faithful lovingkindness toward those who seek Him in trust and humble devotion. 3. Consistency with Covenant Promises: When God extends special protection or blessings, He does so in keeping with His promises. In the Psalms, David and other psalmists often appeal to God’s covenant faithfulness. The request to be preserved reflects confidence in God’s character rather than a claim to special status that others cannot share. Anyone who calls upon the Lord is welcomed (Romans 10:12–13). IV. Personal Trust and Relationship 1. Individual Devotion: The psalmist’s plea stems from a personal place of need and trust. Calling oneself the “apple of [God’s] eye” is a heartfelt appeal for God’s protective care, born out of a time of distress or persecution. It does not exclude others from experiencing the same protective love but highlights the desired intimacy in the psalmist’s relationship with God. 2. Human Perspective vs. Divine Omniscience: From a human viewpoint, it might seem that God is giving more attention to one person than another. Yet God’s omniscient and omnipresent nature allows Him to bestow full care and concern on all who call on Him. Thus, the psalmist’s petition aligns seamlessly with God’s infinite capacity to grant vigilant care to each individual. 3. A Model for Faith-Filled Prayers: Believers throughout history have echoed David’s plea, illustrating the depth of trust in God’s goodness. This does not indicate favoritism, but a universal invitation. Hebrews 4:16 reminds believers to “approach the throne of grace with confidence,” acknowledging God’s enabling mercy for all who seek Him. V. Aligning the Two Concepts 1. No Contradiction in Scripture: Since God cannot lie or contradict Himself (Numbers 23:19), He remains both impartial and attentive to those who earnestly seek Him. The Bible consistently shows God’s fairness in judgment alongside His willingness to extend compassionate care. 2. Historical and Literary Context: Bible commentators across centuries have recognized that ancient Hebrew poetic language was often vivid and personal. Phrases like “apple of Your eye” were common expressions of urgent dependence on God rather than claims of exclusivity. 3. Examples in Scripture and History: Many faithful individuals—Abraham, Moses, Ruth, and others—entreated God for special care. Archaeological evidence (e.g., ancient Hebrew inscriptions and near-eastern texts resembling biblical poetry) supports the notion that such idiomatic requests reflect sincere trust rather than elitist demands. VI. Conclusion Asking to be kept as “the apple of [God’s] eye” in Psalm 17:8 does not violate the principle of divine impartiality found in Deuteronomy 10:17. Instead, it demonstrates the psalmist’s deep trust in God’s protective love and faithfulness. Scripture upholds both God’s perfect justice and His covenant commitments. Thus, Psalm 17:8 underscores the believer’s intimate plea for God’s gracious protection, a plea offered within the broader biblical assurance that God’s mercy and justice extend impartially to all who call upon His name. |
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