John Gill's Exposition on Psalms 17:8

A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.

Exposition of the Old and New Testament
John Gill (1697–1771) · 18th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.

Keep me as the apple of the eye, etc.] 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, (<053210>Deuteronomy 32:10 <380208>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 <199101>Psalm 91:1,4 <233005>Isaiah 30:5 <402337>Matthew 23:37). From such passages perhaps the Heathens had their notion of presenting their gods with wings f253.

Read Psalms 17:8 →Read the full chapter →Jamieson, Fausset & Brown →Barnes' Notes →Tyndale Open Study Notes →Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge →Keil & Delitzsch →

How to use this source
This excerpt is attributed to its named commentary. It is included as a historical study resource and should be evaluated in light of Scripture and other relevant evidence.