Lexical Summary gader: Wall, fence, enclosure Original Word: גָּדֵר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance fence, hedge, wall From gadar; a circumvallation; by implication, an inclosure -- fence, hedge, wall. see HEBREW gadar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom gadar Definition a wall NASB Translation fence (1), hedges (1), wall (11), walls (1). Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope Gādēr denotes a constructed barrier—wall, fence, hedge, or enclosure—erected for protection, separation, or demarcation. Scripture employs the term both for literal masonry or stonework and for figurative spiritual boundaries. Occurrences and Contexts The word appears eleven times: Numbers 22:24; Ezra 9:9; Psalm 62:3; Psalm 80:12; Ecclesiastes 10:8; Isaiah 5:5; Ezekiel 13:5; Ezekiel 22:30; Ezekiel 42:7; Micah 7:11 (with Numbers 22:24 counted twice due to the parallel phrase). These range from Balaam’s pathway between vineyard walls to prophetic visions of national restoration. The Wall of Protection: Vineyard Imagery Isaiah 5:5 and Psalm 80:12 portray Israel as the LORD’s vineyard. A gādēr keeps out wild beasts and thieves; its removal signals divine judgment: “I will tear down its wall and it will be trampled” (Isaiah 5:5). The picture underscores covenant privileges: obedience maintains the hedge, disobedience invites devastation. Divine Hedge and Spiritual Warfare Ecclesiastes 10:8 warns, “He who breaches a wall may be bitten by a snake.” Breaking protective boundaries exposes one to harm—an enduring principle of spiritual warfare. Psalm 62:3 likens evildoers to a “tottering fence,” stressing the fragility of human schemes compared to divine fortifications. Intercessory Breach Repair Ezekiel 13:5 and Ezekiel 22:30 condemn leaders who failed to “build a wall” or “stand in the gap.” The imagery presents intercessors as masons repairing breaches to avert national catastrophe. Ministry that neglects prayerful intercession abandons the flock to spiritual siege. National Security and Restoration Ezra 9:9 rejoices that God “has given us a wall in Judah and Jerusalem.” Post-exilic community life required tangible defenses and symbolized Yahweh’s renewed favor. Micah 7:11 extends the promise: “The day for rebuilding your walls will come; on that day your boundary will be extended”, forecasting messianic expansion of salvation to the nations. Sanctuary Architecture Ezekiel 42:7 describes a gādēr within the visionary temple complex, emphasizing holiness through separation. Physical walls in worship spaces remind believers of the need for consecration while also anticipating the open gates of the New Jerusalem where security is perfected in God’s presence. Lessons on Leadership and Responsibility Numbers 22:24 depicts the Angel of the LORD standing between vineyard walls, blocking Balaam’s reckless progress. Spiritual leaders must heed divine barriers; pressing past them brings judgment. Conversely, righteous oversight erects protective structures—doctrinal clarity, moral accountability, and compassionate discipline—that guard the community. Christological Foreshadowing Jesus embodies and fulfills the wall’s protective role. He is the Good Shepherd who guards His sheepfold and, paradoxically, the cornerstone who “has destroyed the barrier” separating Jew and Gentile (compare Ephesians 2:14). In Him, the protective fence becomes a welcoming gateway, satisfying both justice and mercy. Practical Ministry Implications 1. Build and maintain doctrinal and moral hedges through faithful teaching. Gādēr therefore communicates God’s protective intention, the peril of rebellion, and the promise of restoration—all culminating in the secure fellowship offered through the gospel. Forms and Transliterations גְּדֵר֖וֹ גְּדֵרָ֑יִךְ גְדֵרֶ֑יהָ גָּ֝דֵ֗ר גָּדֵ֖ר גָּדֵ֥ר גָּדֵר֩ גָדֵ֔ר גָדֵ֖ר גדר גדרו גדריה גדריך וְגָדֵ֤ר וְגָדֵ֥ר וגדר gā·ḏêr ḡā·ḏêr gaDer gāḏêr ḡāḏêr gə·ḏê·rā·yiḵ ḡə·ḏê·re·hā gə·ḏê·rōw gedeRayich gəḏêrāyiḵ ḡəḏêrehā gedeReiha gedeRo gəḏêrōw vegaDer wə·ḡā·ḏêr wəḡāḏêrLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 22:24 HEB: בְּמִשְׁע֖וֹל הַכְּרָמִ֑ים גָּדֵ֥ר מִזֶּ֖ה וְגָדֵ֥ר NAS: of the vineyards, [with] a wall on this KJV: of the vineyards, a wall [being] on this side, and a wall INT: A narrow of the vineyards a wall this wall Numbers 22:24 Ezra 9:9 Psalm 62:3 Psalm 80:12 Ecclesiastes 10:8 Isaiah 5:5 Ezekiel 13:5 Ezekiel 22:30 Ezekiel 42:7 Micah 7:11 11 Occurrences |
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