Literally, “the pupil of his eye.” The expression thus translated is from the same root as the word for “man,” and may refer, as some think, to the image reflected in the eye. The eye is perhaps the most sensitive organ of the body, and one that a man unconsciously protects more carefully than any other. God regards His people with equal care (see Isa. 49:15).

 Taught him, as a father would his child (see Ex. 20:1, 2; 34:1, 10).

 Literally, “surrounded him about.” That is, God encircled Israel with protection and infinite mercies (see Ps. 32:10). Thus He always protects His people (see Ps. 34:7).

 As if Israel had been an unwanted infant cast out to die, and Jehovah had so found him (see Jer. 2:2; Eze. 16:5, 6; Hosea 9:11).