9 So Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing? 10 Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!” 12 And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.”
This section of the book of Job describes one of the most powerful defenses we have against the Evil One. Satan is in the Heavenly Court trying to tarnish the glory of the Lord Almighty. Satan wants to use Job to accomplish this by getting Job to curse God to His face.
The Lord reminds Satan that Job is a man who is blameless and upright. Satan’s response is that Job is only this way because the Lord has put a hedge of protection around him, his household, and all he has.
This hedge of protection is one of the most important concepts in Scripture concerning our defense against the Evil One. The Evil One is far too strong for us to resist on our own. We need the protection of the Lord Almighty.
This part of Job paints a picture of a hedge. Imagine a thick, tall, green hedge around your property and family. This hedge is so thick and tall that no one can walk through it. It is a sure defense against a roaring lion. However, there is one way through the thick hedge: the gate. We are in control of the gate. We can open the gate. Satan will tempt us from the other side of the hedge to get us to open the gate. He will use any trick he can, such as offering many riches or poking at our pride. If we open the gate, he can come in.
The hedge is there for your protection. Continually pray that God would build this hedge around you and your household. Pray that He weaves more leaves and branches in the hedge to make it thicker and stronger. Pray that you will lock the gate so the Evil One cannot enter.
Will you pray for a hedge of protection around your household today?
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