Job 1:10

Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.

Hast not thou made an hedge {H7753} about him, and about {H1157} his house {H1004}, and about all that he hath on every side {H5439}? thou hast blessed {H1288} the work {H4639} of his hands {H3027}, and his substance {H4735} is increased {H6555} in the land {H776}.

You've put a protective hedge around him, his house and everything he has. You've prospered his work, and his livestock are spread out all over the land.

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.

Hast not thou made a hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath, on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.

Commentary on Job 1:10 KJV

Job 1:10 is a pivotal verse in the Book of Job, revealing the core of Satan's accusation against God's faithful servant. It's part of the heavenly dialogue where Satan challenges Job's integrity, suggesting his piety is merely a result of divine favor and protection.

Context

This verse immediately follows God's commendation of Job as "a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil" (Job 1:8). Satan, presenting himself before God, responds to God's praise of Job by questioning the genuineness of Job's devotion. He implies that Job serves God not out of true love or conviction, but because God has provided him with unparalleled prosperity and security. This accusation sets the stage for the dramatic trials Job is about to face, as God permits Satan to test Job's faith.

Key Themes

  • Divine Protection and Blessing: Satan acknowledges God's active role in Job's life, specifically highlighting the "hedge" of protection and the lavish blessings bestowed upon him. This confirms Job's immense prosperity and the divine source of his well-being, as also described in Job 1:3.
  • Satan's Accusation: The verse encapsulates Satan's cynical view of human righteousness. He argues that Job's faithfulness is conditional, a mere transaction based on material gain and safety. This challenges the very nature of selfless devotion and introduces the central question of the book: Does Job fear God for naught?
  • The Nature of True Faith: By accusing Job, Satan implicitly poses a universal question about the motivations behind human worship. Is faith genuine only when it endures despite loss and suffering, or is it merely a response to blessings? This verse highlights the spiritual conflict over the integrity of a believer's heart.

Linguistic Insights

The key phrase here is "made an hedge about him." The Hebrew word for "hedge" is sâk (סָךְ), which literally means a fence, barrier, or protective wall. It vividly conveys the idea of God's comprehensive and impenetrable safeguarding around Job, his family, and all his possessions. This divine protection is depicted as being "on every side," emphasizing its completeness and thoroughness. Satan's observation is accurate; God had indeed surrounded Job with His care, preventing any harm from reaching him.

Practical Application

Job 1:10 offers profound insights for believers today:

  • God's Sovereign Protection: It reminds us that God often provides a spiritual "hedge" of protection around His faithful followers, guarding them from various harms and adversities (see Psalm 91:11).
  • Understanding Trials: When trials come, this verse helps us understand that they are not necessarily a sign of God's disfavor, but sometimes a test of genuine faith. Satan's accusation here mirrors the spiritual battles believers may face, where their motives for serving God are questioned.
  • Motivation for Service: It challenges us to examine our own hearts: Do we serve God purely because of who He is, or primarily for the blessings and protection He provides? True faith, as demonstrated by Job, remains steadfast even when the visible "hedge" seems to be removed and blessings are withdrawn (Job 1:21).

This verse sets the stage for a timeless exploration of faith, suffering, and God's ultimate justice and wisdom.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 34:7

    The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

  • Zechariah 2:5

    For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her.

  • 1 Peter 1:5

    Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

  • Deuteronomy 28:2

    And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.

  • Deuteronomy 28:6

    Blessed [shalt] thou [be] when thou comest in, and blessed [shalt] thou [be] when thou goest out.

  • Proverbs 10:22

    ¶ The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

  • Job 31:25

    If I rejoiced because my wealth [was] great, and because mine hand had gotten much;

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