In the past week, celebration of the Passover by the Jews and Easter Sunday by the Christians reminded me of the phrase "the apple of His eye" as the Jews use it quite often when referring to the uniqueness of their race.
Since it has been said that the identity of the Jews today is somewhat obscured, I will not debate if the State of Israel today or the upholders of Jewish rituals could claim the "apple of God's eye" in this entry. I note however, that while some wander about the reference of All Israel who are assured salvation in Romans 11, the silencing key is Romans 9:6 - Not all of Israel are Israel. After all, some has contended that Jesus Christ is the apple of the eye...look no further. Thus, the ALL ISRAEL referred by Romans 11:25 remains a Mystery to me.
The Apple of the Eye (眼中的瞳人), the most tender part of the body where greatest precautions are taken, as John Calvin puts it (Calvin Commentary Deu 32:10), is found only in the Old Testament in 5 verses:
1. Deuteronomy 32:10 (Jacob, as representative of his people)
2. Psalms 17:8 (David, in his prayer)
3. Proverbs 7:2 (the Law of God, as the apple of one's eye)
4. Lamentations 2:18 (Daughter of Zion)
5. Zechariah 2:8 (Daughter of Zion)
Of all 5, 4 refer to people of Israel, 1 refers to the Law or Laws (Torot ותורת ) of God.
In the 4 cases, the object is in singular form, a representative.
In conclusion, I would say this phrase is exaggerated today by the Jews or the Messianic Jews when they refer it solely to themselves via those of ancient patriarchs of Israel, but not Christians. The true heritage of Jacob, remains a mystery yet to be seen.