In biblical literature, the concept of "hedges" often symbolizes divine protection and the safeguarding of individuals or nations by God. The imagery of a hedge is used to convey the idea of a boundary or barrier that keeps out harm and preserves what is within. However, when these hedges are broken down, it signifies the removal of God's protective presence, often as a consequence of disobedience or sin.

Biblical References and Symbolism

1. Job 1:10 · In the Book of Job, Satan acknowledges the protective hedge God has placed around Job, his household, and all his possessions: "Have You not placed a hedge on every side around him and his household and all that he owns? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land." This verse highlights the comprehensive nature of divine protection, encompassing every aspect of Job's life.

2. Psalm 80:12-13 · The psalmist laments the removal of God's hedge around Israel, leading to vulnerability and destruction: "Why have You broken down its walls, so that all who pass by pick its fruit? The boar from the forest ravages it, and the creatures of the field feed upon it." Here, the breaking down of the hedge results in exposure to external threats and devastation, symbolizing the consequences of turning away from God.

3. Isaiah 5:5 · In the Song of the Vineyard, God declares His intention to remove the hedge protecting Israel due to their unfaithfulness: "Now I will tell you what I am about to do to My vineyard: I will remove its hedge, and it will be consumed; I will break down its wall, and it will be trampled." This passage illustrates the direct correlation between the people's actions and the withdrawal of divine protection.

Theological Implications

The breaking down of hedges serves as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual and physical consequences of sin and rebellion against God. It underscores the belief that divine protection is contingent upon a covenant relationship with God, characterized by obedience and faithfulness. When this relationship is compromised, the protective hedge is removed, leaving individuals or nations exposed to the consequences of their actions.

Moral and Spiritual Lessons

1. Dependence on God · The imagery of hedges reminds believers of their dependence on God's protection and the importance of maintaining a close relationship with Him. It encourages a life of obedience and faithfulness to ensure the continued presence of divine safeguarding.

2. Consequences of Sin · The breaking down of hedges serves as a warning of the inevitable consequences of sin and disobedience. It calls for repentance and a return to God to restore the protective barrier that shields from spiritual and physical harm.

3. Hope for Restoration · Despite the removal of protection, the Bible also offers hope for restoration. Through repentance and turning back to God, the broken hedges can be rebuilt, symbolizing the renewal of divine favor and protection.

In conclusion, the concept of hedges in the Bible, particularly when broken down, serves as a profound reminder of the protective nature of God's presence and the serious implications of straying from His path. It calls believers to a life of faithfulness, underscoring the importance of divine protection in the journey of faith.Psalm 80:12
Why have you then broken down her hedges, so that all they which pass by the way do pluck her?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 5:5
And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Broken Fence
... seeded themselves in him, mischief is also taking place externally ... To do this you
must mend the hedges well so ... that be?" If a stone wall is broken down round a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the broken fence.htm

No Compromise
... the hedges are broken down, the walls ... Besides, Abraham felt that there could be no
reason for taking Isaac down there, for the Lord would assuredly find ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 34 1888/no compromise.htm

The Young Titus
... Hedges, gardens, ditches and wind-breaks of cedars of ... Gate, inaccessible, despised
and sealed, was broken open from ... side of that bridge, pass down the ravine ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter ix the young titus.htm

The First Theban Empire
... armies, which knew but three ways of taking a place by ... and imposing aspect which
it assumes lower down, between Aswan ... the main body of water is broken up into ...
/.../chapter iiithe first theban empire.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... breaker is come up before them, they have broken up [the ... them: so shall the Lord
of hosts come down to fight ... like the locusts and frogs of the hedges, at the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

The Figurative Language of Scripture.
... "As the words, 'This is my body,' and 'This is my blood,' were spoken BEFORE Christ's
body was broken upon the ... Then God breaks down its hedges, so that ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxv the figurative language.htm

The Northern Mountains
... crystal-clear, bedded with gray pebbles, broken into rapids ... and vegetables, and fenced
in with hedges of scarlet ... and then, after we had looked down once more ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xi the northern mountains.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... we are told that 'Hedges have eyes and pitchers have ears.' They who encourage evil ...
His pious wife dies broken-hearted. ... So they agreed to sit down under a tree ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... and since she is, as you see, a-taking of her ... Sometimes also he has broken out, and
has worried some that I ... Then they that came down to meet them, came just up ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... they have a smooth surface, are broken here and ... at dusk, they were there, under the
hedges, behind walls ... divided by ropes into long lanes, down which strangers ...
/.../chapter iithe temples and the.htm

What is a hedge of protection? | GotQuestions.org

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