⁸ Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings
⁹ from the wicked who are out to destroy me,
from my mortal enemies who surround me.

The definition of etymologically is the study of words and the origin or history of a word’s meaning. The phrase “apple of your eye” stands for the “little man” in someone’s pupil, which, of course, would be you when you are close enough to a person.   Give it a try. I just practiced it with my daughter.  You need to be close to see your own reflection in someone’s eyes.  For me, it can feel a little uncomfortable because of the personal space we all have.

The psalmist’s prayer in Psalm 17:8 is for God to keep guard over us as He would the pupil of His own eye. Oh, how I pray for that closeness, that protection. Lord, help me to seek You daily, to stay in Your Word, and to be obedient. Let us remember Your closeness when the enemies surround us, knowing that we are protected.