Introduction to Zechariah 2:8
Zechariah 2:8 is a prophetic declaration of divine protection over Israel, emphasizing God’s response to the nations who harm His people. The verse contains a construct phrase, “בְּבָבַ֥ת עֵינֹֽו” (“the apple of His eye”), which conveys tender care and sensitivity. This imagery highlights the close relationship between YHWH and Israel and serves as a warning to those who oppose His chosen people.
The passage also introduces a divine commission, as seen in “שְׁלָחַ֕נִי” (“He has sent me”), reinforcing the prophet’s role as YHWH’s messenger. This study will analyze the construct phrase, the grammatical role of divine sending, and the theological implications of Israel’s status as God’s most cherished possession.
כִּ֣י כֹ֣ה אָמַר֮ יְהוָ֣ה צְבָאֹות֒ אַחַ֣ר כָּבֹ֔וד שְׁלָחַ֕נִי אֶל־הַגֹּויִ֖ם הַשֹּׁלְלִ֣ים אֶתְכֶ֑ם כִּ֚י הַנֹּגֵ֣עַ בָּכֶ֔ם נֹגֵ֖עַ בְּבָבַ֥ת עֵינֹֽו׃
Analysis of Key Words/Phrases
1. כִּ֣י כֹ֣ה אָמַר֮ יְהוָ֣ה צְבָאֹות֒ (ki koh amar YHWH Tseva’ot)
– Root: אָמַר (“to say”)
– Translation: “For thus says YHWH of Hosts”
– Function: A prophetic declaration, introducing divine speech.
2. אַחַ֣ר כָּבֹ֔וד שְׁלָחַ֕נִי (aḥar kavod shelachani)
– Root: כָּבוֹד (“glory”), שָׁלַח (“to send”)
– Translation: “After glory, He has sent me”
– Function: Suggests divine commissioning, where the prophet is sent to declare judgment and vindication.
3. אֶל־הַגֹּויִ֖ם הַשֹּׁלְלִ֣ים אֶתְכֶ֑ם (el-haggoyim hasholelim etkhem)
– Root: גּוֹי (“nation”), שָׁלַל (“to plunder”)
– Translation: “To the nations who plunder you”
– Function: Identifies the object of divine judgment—the nations who have attacked Israel.
4. כִּ֚י הַנֹּגֵ֣עַ בָּכֶ֔ם נֹגֵ֖עַ בְּבָבַ֥ת עֵינֹֽו (ki hanogea bakhem nogea be’vavat eino)
– Root: נָגַע (“to touch”)
– Form: Qal participle and Qal imperfect
– Translation: “For whoever touches you, touches the apple of His eye”
– Function: Emphasizes God’s personal protection over Israel.
Explanation of Grammatical Function
The Construct Phrase בְּבָבַ֥ת עֵינֹֽו (“The Apple of His Eye”)
– בָּבַת is in construct with עֵין, forming a possessive structure:
– בָּבַת עֵינֹו = “The pupil of His eye” or “the apple of His eye”
– The construct state links the two words into one idea of preciousness and sensitivity.
The Meaning of בָּבַת in Biblical Hebrew
– Literal meaning: The pupil or inner part of the eye, which is highly sensitive and protected.
– Figurative meaning: Represents something treasured and intimately cared for.
– Parallels in Scripture:
– Deuteronomy 32:10 – “He kept him as the apple of His eye.”
– Psalm 17:8 – “Keep me as the apple of Your eye.”
The Theological Significance of Divine Protection
– The nations may harm Israel physically, but they are ultimately attacking YHWH Himself.
– The pupil of the eye is extremely sensitive, indicating God’s deep concern for His people.
– Prophetic reversal: Nations who plundered Israel will themselves be judged and punished.
The Participial and Imperfect Verbs in נֹגֵ֖עַ (“Touches”)
1. הַנֹּגֵ֣עַ (“Whoever touches”) → Qal participle
– Expresses continuous or repeated action → The nations have harmed Israel over time.
2. נֹגֵ֖עַ (“Touches”) → Qal imperfect
– Expresses ongoing consequence → God reacts immediately to any harm done to Israel.
Theological Implications of Israel as “The Apple of His Eye”
1. The Nations’ Actions Against Israel Are an Affront to YHWH
– Israel is not just any nation, but God’s treasured possession.
– Harming Israel provokes divine retribution.
2. Divine Protection and Restoration
– This passage reassures Israel that despite suffering, God is watching and will act in justice.
– The nations who harm Israel will themselves face destruction.
3. Messianic and Eschatological Overtones
– The phrase “after glory, He has sent me” hints at a future divine intervention.
– YHWH’s presence will ultimately restore Zion and defeat its enemies.
The Role of the Construct Phrase “Apple of His Eye” in Divine Protection
Zechariah 2:8 employs the construct phrase בְּבָבַ֥ת עֵינֹֽו to illustrate God’s intimate care for Israel. The grammatical structure highlights divine sensitivity to injustice, reinforcing the prophetic theme of reversal—where Israel’s oppressors will be punished.
Thus, this passage serves as both a warning to Israel’s enemies and a comfort to God’s people, affirming that God’s covenant remains unbroken, and those who harm His chosen nation will suffer divine consequences.
