Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the concept of "hedges" is often used metaphorically to describe God's protection and provision for His people. This imagery is rooted in the agricultural practices of ancient times, where hedges were used to enclose and protect vineyards and fields from animals and intruders. The Bible uses this familiar image to convey the idea of divine safeguarding and care.Job 1:10 The Book of Job provides a clear example of a hedge as a symbol of God's protection. In Job 1:10, Satan, in his dialogue with God, acknowledges the protective barrier God has placed around Job: "Have You not placed a hedge around him and his household and everything he owns? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land" . Here, the hedge signifies God's blessing and protection over Job's life, family, and possessions, highlighting the divine favor and security that comes from being under God's care. Psalm 80:12-13 The imagery of a hedge is also found in Psalm 80, where the psalmist laments the removal of God's protection: "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" . In this passage, the broken walls or hedges symbolize the withdrawal of God's protective presence, leading to vulnerability and devastation. The psalmist's plea underscores the importance of divine protection for the well-being and security of God's people. Isaiah 5:5 Similarly, in Isaiah 5:5, the prophet uses the imagery of a vineyard to describe God's judgment on Israel: "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" . The removal of the hedge signifies God's judgment and the resulting exposure to danger and destruction. This passage serves as a warning of the consequences of turning away from God and the loss of His protective care. Ezekiel 13:5 In Ezekiel 13:5, the prophet rebukes the false prophets of Israel for failing to stand in the gap and build a hedge for the people: "You have not gone up to the breaches or repaired the walls around the house of Israel to stand in the battle on the day of the LORD" . Here, the hedge represents spiritual leadership and intercession, emphasizing the role of faithful leaders in maintaining the community's spiritual defenses and ensuring God's protection. Theological Implications The concept of hedges in the Bible carries significant theological implications. It reflects the belief in God's sovereignty and His active role in the lives of His people. The hedge is a symbol of divine favor, indicating that God's protection is not arbitrary but is often contingent upon the faithfulness and obedience of His people. It also serves as a reminder of the spiritual warfare that believers face and the need for vigilance and prayer to maintain God's protective presence. Practical Application For believers today, the imagery of hedges can be a source of comfort and encouragement. It reassures them of God's ongoing protection and care in the midst of life's challenges and uncertainties. It also calls for a response of faithfulness, obedience, and prayer, recognizing that God's protection is both a gift and a responsibility. The hedge serves as a metaphor for the spiritual boundaries and disciplines that believers are called to establish in their lives to remain under God's protective care. Torrey's Topical Textbook Job 1:10Have not you made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he has on every side? you have blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Sheltering Wing Guidance in the Way The Heavenly Pathway and the Earthly Heart The Figurative Language of Scripture. The Broken Fence Thankfulness to God. Heaven and Hell Period ii. The Church from the Permanent Division of the Empire ... No Compromise The Annunciation of Jesus the Messiah, and the Birth of his ... Resources What is a hedge of protection? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Hedges of Numerous Afflictions Hedges of the Way of the Slothful Hedges: (Broken Down) of the Taking Away of Protection Hedges: Afforded Protection in Danger Hedges: Danger of Breaking Through Hedges: Designed for Protection Hedges: Desolation Caused by Removing Hedges: Difficulty of Breaking Through Hedges: Filled With Grasshoppers Hedges: Making up Gaps In, Alluded To Hedges: Placed Around: Gardens Hedges: Placed Around: Vineyards Hedges: Poor Travellers Sought Rest Under Related Terms |
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