Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, fences were not only practical structures but also carried significant symbolic meaning. They were used to protect, delineate, and separate properties, livestock, and people. The concept of a fence can be seen throughout Scripture, both in literal and metaphorical contexts.
Literal FencesFences in the ancient Near East were often constructed from stones, wood, or thorny bushes. They served to protect vineyards, fields, and livestock from intruders and wild animals. In the Song of Solomon, the beloved is compared to a vineyard, and the need for protection is emphasized: "My vineyard, which is mine, is before me. You, O Solomon, may have the thousand, and those who tend its fruit two hundred" (
Song of Solomon 8:12). This imagery suggests the importance of safeguarding what is valuable.
In the book of Numbers, the Israelites are instructed to build cities of refuge, which were to be surrounded by boundaries to protect those seeking asylum: "You are to designate cities to serve as your cities of refuge, so that a manslayer who kills someone unintentionally may flee there" (
Numbers 35:11). These boundaries acted as a form of fence, providing safety and demarcation.
Metaphorical FencesFences also appear metaphorically in Scripture, representing spiritual and moral boundaries.
Proverbs 25:28 states, "Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who does not control his temper" . Here, the lack of self-control is likened to a city without walls, vulnerable and exposed to danger. This metaphor underscores the importance of maintaining personal discipline and moral integrity.
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul speaks of the "dividing wall of hostility" that Christ has broken down between Jews and Gentiles: "For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility" (
Ephesians 2:14). This passage highlights the spiritual fence that once separated different groups, now removed through the reconciling work of Christ.
Cultural and Historical ContextIn ancient Israel, property rights and boundaries were taken seriously, as evidenced by the commandment, "Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your ancestors" (
Proverbs 22:28). This reflects the cultural importance of respecting established limits and the integrity of one's neighbor's property.
Fences also played a role in agricultural practices. The parable of the vineyard in
Isaiah 5:1-7 describes how God planted a vineyard, built a watchtower, and put a fence around it, symbolizing His care and protection for Israel. Despite this, the vineyard produced wild grapes, illustrating Israel's failure to live up to God's expectations.
Spiritual ImplicationsThe concept of fences in the Bible extends to spiritual teachings about boundaries and protection. Believers are encouraged to guard their hearts and minds, much like a fence guards a property.
Philippians 4:7 states, "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" . This guarding is akin to a spiritual fence, providing peace and security.
In summary, fences in the Bible serve as a multifaceted symbol of protection, separation, and moral boundaries. They remind believers of the importance of safeguarding what is valuable, respecting established limits, and maintaining spiritual integrity.
Library
Fences and Serpents
... ECCLESIASTES; OR, THE PREACHERFENCES AND SERPENTS. '... Whoso breaketh...
There are limitations, I say"fences on all sides. Men put...
The Barren Fig-Tree.
... "A certain man had a fig-tree planted in his vineyard." This was not a seedling
that had sprung accidentally within thefences of the vineyard, and through...
The Irish Whiteboys
... About the beginning of December last, a few men met by night near Nenagh, in the
county of Limerick, and threw down thefences of some commons, which had been...
Birth and Ancestors. Family Circumstances. "Fist and Skull"...
... The out-buildings were stables and a crib, of round logs. Thefences were
all of rails, and inferior in kind. "Bars" and "slip-gaps...
Transformation by Beholding
... Christianity leads us all, to the mount of vision, and lets the lowliest pass
through thefences, and go up where the blazing glory is seen....
Introduction
... the original order, but it displays an ecclesiastical tendency [461] and has
interpolated a further section (= Did.3:1-6, commonly called "thefences" [462] )....
Expositions of Holy Scripture
... NAKED OR CLOTHED? FINIS CORONAT OPUS. MISUSED RESPITE.FENCES AND SERPENTS. THE
WAY TO THE CITY. A NEW YEARS SERMON TO THE YOUNG. THE CONCLUSION OF THE MATTER....
The Folly of Slander. Part 1.
... generally diffused over people: from which sources it is no wonder that this flood
hath so overflown, that no banks can restrain it, nofences are able to...
Coming to New York
... Like every newcomer, I had studied the notices in the papers and on thefences and
bulletin boards, and of them all, the one that had the greatest attraction...
Farewell
... in the morning speaking to Mrs. Jones over the fence she confidentially delivered
that confidential talk and in the same manner all overfences and telephones...
Thesaurus
Fences (6 Occurrences)...Fences (6 Occurrences). Luke 14:23 And the lord said to the bondman, Go out into
the ways and
fences and compel to come in, that my house may be filled; (DBY).
...Fence (12 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary (Hebrews gader), Numbers 22:24 (RV).Fences were
constructions of unmortared stones, to protect gardens, vineyards, sheepfolds, etc....
Waste (668 Occurrences)
... injury. 7. (v.) To damage, impair, or injure, as an estate, voluntarily, or
by suffering the buildings,fences, etc., to go to decay. 8...
Lane
... 2. (n.) A passageway betweenfences or hedges which is not traveled as a highroad;
an alley between buildings; a narrow way among trees, rocks, and other...
Land (19790 Occurrences)
... meadows, pastures, woods, etc., and everything annexed to it, whether by nature,
as trees, water, etc., or by the hand of man, as buildings,fences, etc.; real...
Improvement (2 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) Increase; growth; progress; advance. 5. (n.) Valuable additions or betterments,
as buildings, clearings, drains,fences, etc., on premises....
Folds (18 Occurrences)
... 49:3 Wail, O Heshbon, for Ai is laid waste; cry, ye daughters of Rabbah, gird you
with sackcloth: lament, and run to and fro among thefences; for Malcam shall...
Fenceth (2 Occurrences)
Town (861 Occurrences)
... [Obs.] (b) The whole of the land which constituted the domain. [Obs.] (c)
A collection of houses enclosed byfences or walls. 2. (adv....
Timber (32 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) That sort of wood which is proper for buildings or for tools, utensils,
furniture, carriages,fences, ships, and the like; -- usually said of felled...
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