509 -- An Apple A Daily Eye
July 2 (7/2) in Godsfield -- Proverbs 7:2
(For Better or Verse: Each day in 2025 I will begin this Godsfield e-mail with a Bible verse that corresponds with the month (chapter 1-12) and day (verse 1-31) it is sent. This month features a lot of seventh chapters! Those with eyes and ears, let them see and hear.)
Proverbs 7:2 — Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.
I know the phrase, I know what it means, I know it is one of those phrases that originated from the Bible and that most people don't realize that, I know it is a compliment to describe or be described as the "apple of my eye."
It refers to someone who is cherished or beloved -- like one's child or parent.
And there are two aspects of it -- affection and protection.
The apple is the pupil of the eye; I think the word used means "little man," the most important part of the eye, and also the one most needing protected, which is why eyelids are on constant vigilance to close over the pupil whenever something coming trying to intrude -- dust, bug, bright light -- protecting vision.
When I put eyedrops in, themselves very protective of the eye, I lean my head back and point the little bottle directly above the eye, and have an argument with the eyelid to stay open, don't close, don't move, let the drop fall in, because it will do everything to close and prevent that one drop from reaching the eyeball.
It's a big ordeal every morning, and this is something that the eyeball likes!
(Okay, I suppose eyeballs don't have emotions, but they do feel things, and these drops are a good thing.)
So, too, does God describe Israel, His People, as the apple of His eye -- precious and protected. He is the eyelid of the Israelites, although that phrase is not found in the Bible. In Deuteronomy and Psalms he uses that to describe them.
But here, it is God telling us the apple of our eye -- the precious part most in need of protection -- are the commands and teachings of the one who gives us life, and then gives us new life in Christ.
See it. Protect it.
Love ya,
Paul