Study #8: AYIN

AYIN: THE 16TH LETTER OF THE HEBREW ALPHABET

The Apple of God’s Eye

In Zechariah 2:8, an angel of the Lord declares that Israel is the “apple” of God’s eye.

Zechariah 2:8 King James Version (KJV)

8 For thus saith the Lord of hosts; After the glory hath He sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of His eye.

The Hebrew phrase used is ” bava ‘ayin” (בבה עין).

The meaning of “bava” may mean “apple”. If so, the phrase used in Zechariah 2:8 literally refers to the “apple of the eye.” However, Hebrew scholars generally regard this as a figure of speech simply referring to the “eye ball”.

Just imagine this: if something comes against our eyes , our eyelids reflexively will close and our hands position themselves to ward off the threat.

When Israel is called “the apple of God’s eye”, it means that God’s watchful eye is always on Israel. It may be a tiny nation but it has occupied the attention,  emotions and  beliefs of humanity for the last 4,000 years of recorded human history. It is a country that constantly finds itself under attack by hostile neighbors who have sworn to destroy it. But the God of Israel does not close His eyes to Israel: He “neither slumbers nor sleeps” ( Psalm 121:4 ).

Abba Father, Your protective care for Israel – and us – is as automatic as if You were guarding the pupil of Your eye from harm. Such protective love for Your people has never diminished with the passing of time. You do this because You love us in Christ just as a parent would a child. Indeed Your love is an “eye-opener” to say the least!