Under His Wings

 


Protect Me as You Would Your Very Own Eyes; Hide Me in the Shadow of Your Wings
Psalms‬ ‭17:8‬ ‭CEV‬‬

The verse Psalms 17:8 from the Contemporary English Version (CEV) of the Bible reads as follows: "Protect me as you would your very own eyes; hide me in the shadow of your wings." This verse is part of a prayer by David, who asks God to protect him from his enemies and deliver him from injustice. In this essay, I will explore the meaning and significance of the two metaphors in the verse: "protect me as you would your very own eyes" and "hide me in the shadow of your wings".

The first metaphor of "protect me as you would your very own eyes" expresses David's desire to be close to God and to be valued by him as the most precious part of his body. The Hebrew phrase literally means "the little man of the eye", referring to the reflection of oneself in the pupil of another person's eye¹. This implies that David wants to see himself in God's eyes and to be seen by God as his beloved child. It also suggests that David wants God to guard him with the utmost care and tenderness, as one would protect the most sensitive and vital organ of the body. The Bible uses this metaphor to describe how God protects his people as the apple of his eye in other parts of the Bible, such as Deuteronomy 32:10 and Zechariah 2:8.

The second metaphor of "hide me in the shadow of your wings" expresses David's trust in God's care and compassion for him in times of trouble. This image evokes a mother bird covering her young with her wings to shield them from danger and provide them with warmth and comfort². This implies that David wants to find refuge and security in God's presence and to experience his love and mercy. It also suggests that David wants God to conceal him from the threats and attacks of his enemies, who seek to harm him and destroy his life. The Bible uses this metaphor to describe how God hides his people under his wings in other parts of the Bible, such as Psalm 91:4 and Matthew 23:37.

In conclusion, the verse Psalms 17:8 reveals David's intimate relationship with God and his dependence on him for protection and deliverance. The two metaphors in the verse show how David views God as his father and his mother, who cherish him and nurture him. They also show how David appeals to God's power and grace, who can save him and sustain him. The verse can inspire us to seek God's presence and refuge in our own lives, especially when we face difficulties and dangers. We can trust that God will protect us as his very own eyes and hide us in the shadow of his wings.

Prayer:

Dear God,

You are my protector and my refuge. You are the one who sees me and cares for me. You are the one who covers me and comforts me.

Please protect me as you would your very own eyes. Let me be close to you and reflect your image. Let me be precious to you and valued by you.

Please hide me in the shadow of your wings. Shield me from the dangers and troubles that surround me. Warm me with your love and compassion.

Thank you for hearing my prayer and delivering me from injustice. Thank you for being with me and for me.

In Jesus' name I pray,

Amen.
```

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