Psalms 17:8

8 (16-8) From them that resist thy right hand keep me, as the apple of thy eye. Protect me under the shadow of thy wings.

Psalms 17:8 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 17:8

Keep me as the apple of the eye
Which is weak and tender, and is hurt and put to pain, and made uneasy by every little thing that annoys it, and than which nothing is more dear to a man, or he is more careful of preserving from being hurt; and fitly represents the weak estate and condition of God's people, his affection for them, and tender care of them; who as he has provided tunics for the eye, and guarded it with eyebrows, so he has taken care for the safety of his dear children, ( Deuteronomy 32:10 ) ( Zechariah 2:8 ) ;

hide me under the shadow of thy wings;
alluding either to the wings of the cherubim over the mercy seat, where God granted his presence; so the Targum paraphrases it,

``under the shadow of thy Shechinah hide me;''

or to birds, who cover their young ones with their wings to save them from birds of prey; see ( Psalms 91:1 Psalms 91:4 ) ( Isaiah 30:5 ) ( Matthew 23:37 ) . From such passages perhaps the Heathens had their notion of presenting their gods with wings ^F6.

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FOOTNOTES:

F6 Vid. Cuperi Apotheos. Homer. p. 169

Psalms 17:8 In-Context

6 (16-6) I have cried to thee, for thou, O God, hast heard me: O incline thy ear unto me, and hear my words.

7 (16-7) Shew forth thy wonderful mercies; thou who savest them that trust in thee.

8 (16-8) From them that resist thy right hand keep me, as the apple of thy eye. Protect me under the shadow of thy wings.

9 (16-9) From the face of the wicked who have afflicted me. My enemies have surrounded my soul:

10 (16-10) They have shut up their fat: their mouth hath spoken proudly.