9 For the LORD'S portion is his people;
Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.
10 He found him in a desert land,
In the waste howling wilderness;
He compassed him about, he cared for him,
He kept him as the apple of his eye.
Deut. 32:9-10

For thus says the LORD of hosts: After glory has he sent me to the nations which plundered you; for he who touches you touches the apple of his eye.
Zech. 2:8