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In this rich and personal work, artist Nicora Gangi reflects on David's prayers to God for continuous preservation from his enemies in Psalms 17:6-12.

Psalms 17:6-12

The Everlasting Protective Love of God Our Father

By 

Nicora Gangi

Credits: 

Curated by: 

Rebecca Testrake

2022

11 x 14 inches

Paper collage + Digital layering

Mixed Media

Image by Giorgio Trovato

Primary Scripture

I have called on you, for you will answer me, God.
Turn your ear to me.
Hear my speech.
Show your marvelous loving kindness,
you who save those who take refuge by your right hand from their enemies.
Keep me as the apple of your eye.
Hide me under the shadow of your wings,
from the wicked who oppress me,
my deadly enemies, who surround me.
They close up their callous hearts.
With their mouth they speak proudly.
They have now surrounded us in our steps.
They set their eyes to cast us down to the earth.
He is like a lion that is greedy of his prey,
as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.

Psalms 17:6-12

Psalm 17:6-12 comes from the prayer of David to God to preserve his life from his enemies. My interpretation of this passage was heavily influenced by Matthew Henry's Commentary. When using this imagery, David may be thinking back to the wings of the cherubim shadowing the mercy seat which was placed on top of the arch of God in the tabernacle, the place of worship for the People of God (Exodus 25:30). As Matthew Henry wrote, is it as if David is praying: "Hide me under the shadow of thy wings where I may be both safe and warm." This is not the only time we see the allusion to the wings of a bird and God's protection and care.


Jesus Christ alludes to this same winged metaphor of protection when He speaks of his loving desire to draw the children of Jerusalem to himself "as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings" (Matthew 23:37).


Therefore let us put our trust in God, for He protects us continually under the wings of His mercy. And the Father of mercies will convey us to His heavenly kingdom in a timely season.

Spark Notes

The Artist's Reflection

Nicora Gangi was educated at Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA (BFA 1974 and MFA 1976). She was a Professor of Art at Syracuse University for 29 years. Gangi has been awarded many Grand Prize and First Place awards and grants. She has been and continues to be published in numerous artist’s books on pastel paintings. She has lectured regionally and nationally as a visiting artist at universities and artist’s guilds. She is represented by: Edgewood Gallery (Syracuse, NY), and Gangi Studio (Winter Garden, FL).



Nicora Gangi

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