Fence
“Wall, fence, enclosure”
Summary
A barrier of stone, thorns, or other material used to protect vineyards, fields, and flocks, or referring to fortified cities, with figurative application to divine protection and spiritual boundaries.
☩Types of Fences
The Hebrews used two main terms for fences: gader (an inner wall of stones) and mesukah (an outer thorny hedge). The stone wall primarily kept out men, while the thorn hedge protected against beasts (Proverbs 15:19, 24:31). Vineyards typically had both, as described in Isaiah's parable (Isaiah 5:2, 5). The removal of these fences exposed the vineyard to destruction by beasts and passersby (Psalm 80:12). Fences were also made around sheepfolds for nighttime protection.
☩Fenced Cities
The term 'fenced' in Scripture often describes fortified cities (Hebrew: batsar, 'to cut off' or 'fortify'). Fenced cities had strong walls, towers, and gates for defense (Deuteronomy 3:5, 9:1, 28:52). The spies reported that Canaan's cities were 'great and fenced up to heaven' (Deuteronomy 1:28). These fortifications represented security against enemies, though ultimately no walls could withstand God's judgment (Isaiah 25:12).
☩Figurative Uses
The fence metaphor expresses divine protection: Job complained that God had 'fenced up my way' (Job 19:8). Ezekiel lamented that no one stood 'in the gap' to build up the fence for Israel (Ezekiel 13:5, 22:30). In Ecclesiastes, breaking down a fence brings the bite of a serpent (10:8), warning against removing proper boundaries. The wicked are compared to a 'tottering fence' and 'bowing wall' about to collapse (Psalm 62:3).
Related Verses8 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Fence," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. III (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Fence," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).