The language in this verse contains two images, both of which are significant; both are frequently used even outside of Scripture. These two phrases combine into a beautiful expression of God's caring love.

In Hebrew, the word i'son most simply refers to "blackness" or "darkness." The phrase i'son bat ā'yin literally means "the blackness of the eye." This means the pupil: the dark circle at the center of the human eyeball. This is arguably the most closely protected part of the body: something we take great pains to protect and which we never allow to be struck or scratched. David's plea, then, is for God to protect him with that level of care and tenderness. At some point, the term "apple of the eye" became the English idiom referring to the pupil, and so many translations use that phrase when referring to this idea.

Other scholars suggest the Hebrew word 'iysh, meaning "man," can be rendered as a diminutive, "tiny man," using the word i'son. In a context of protection, this refers to the fact that one can sometimes see themselves reflected in the pupil of the other's eye. Interestingly, the English term "pupil" developed from terms related to orphans, which was then applied to "students." At almost the same time, words related to precious things like children and infants, reflected in the eyes, inspired the use of the word "pupil" for the dark center of the eyeball.

The second image, "the shadow of your wings," evokes a mother bird pulling her young close to protect them (Matthew 23:37). Deuteronomy 32:11 employs this image to recall God's gracious care of Israel. Chickens, among the earliest domesticated birds, are famous for tucking their children under their wings for warmth and safety. Other birds cover their young to shield them from sun, rain, or the eyes of predators (Psalm 17:9). So, too, does David want God to hold him close and keep him safe.

Psalm 17:6–12 is David's prayer for the Lord's protection. He expresses confidence that the Lord will keep him safe. Surrounded by his bloodthirsty enemies, David knows he is helpless without the Lord's intervention. He describes the enemy as dangerous and deadly as a lion.

Likely written when Saul was pursuing David in the wilderness, this records David's urgent plea for deliverance. He insists that he is in the right and free from deceit or evil. He proclaims God as a Savior and asks God to heed his cry and reveal His steadfast love to him. David addresses God as the Savior of those who seek refuge in Him from their enemies. Verse 8 uses two famous phrases describing God's tender care and love: "apple of the eye" and "shadow of your wings." Using a singular noun, David compares his enemy, likely Saul, to a ferocious, stealthy, bloodthirsty lion. Through these struggles, David looks forward to a blessed eternity of beholding God's face.

This is another psalm in which David appeals to God to deliver him from his enemy, likely Saul (1 Samuel 20:32–33). It shares themes and even Hebrew phrases with Psalm 16. This is one of several psalms identified as direct prayers, along with psalms 86, 90, 102, and 142.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

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