Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Satan's argument isn't just that God protected Job, but that God over-protected him, creating an almost impenetrable defense. The original Hebrew word for "hedge" suggests something more like a fortified wall or a thorny barrier, implying God's protection was so immense it was nearly impossible for any trouble to breach. This suggests that Job's faithfulness might have been a response to an overwhelming, almost guaranteed security, rather than a free choice.
Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Satan, appearing before God, accuses Job of serving God only because he's been blessed with immense wealth and protection. He argues that Job's devotion is superficial and would vanish if God withdrew his favor. This exchange sets the stage for God to allow Satan to test Job, removing his protective hedge and allowing his fortunes to be destroyed to see if his faith will endure.
Satan himself acknowledges God's protective shield around Job. What does this 'hedge' truly represent?
In Job 1:10, Satan points to a remarkable truth: God had surrounded Job with an impenetrable defense. This wasn't just a physical fence, but a divine protection, like a 'palisado' or a 'thorny and inaccessible defense' (Barnes, Benson). It secured Job, his family ('house'), and all his possessions ('all that he has') from harm.
This divine hedge signifies God's active care and providence, keeping Job safe from dangers that would normally plague life. It's a testament to how God shields those He holds dear, making them objects of His 'peculiar care' (Clarke, Poole).
Job's prosperity wasn't just luck; it was a visible sign of God's favor. What does it mean for God to bless 'the work of our hands'?
The verse highlights that God 'blessed the work of his hands,' leading to his 'substance increased in the land.' This wasn't mere material gain; it was a sign of God's active involvement and favor. The increase was so significant that his possessions 'spread out like a flood' (JFB), overflowing and abundant, like waters bursting their bounds (Barnes).
This divine blessing means that whatever Job attempted, it succeeded. Without it, even strong hands wouldn't prosper (Benson). It’s a reminder that true fruitfulness and abundance come from God's favor, not just our efforts.
Understand the original words
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sukah · Hebrew Noun
A metaphorical barrier, typically representing God’s sovereign protection, provision, and preservation of His people against spiritual or physical harm.
barak · Hebrew Verb
A manifestation of God's favor and goodness upon a person, often resulting in material or spiritual prosperity, well-being, and the fruitfulness of one's endeavors.
This psalm speaks directly to God's protective care and how He assigns angels to guard believers, echoing Job's 'hedge of protection' described by Satan.
Proverbs 18:10This proverb highlights that the 'name of the Lord is a strong tower,' suggesting a spiritual protection that Job enjoyed, which Satan sought to undermine.
Genesis 26:12Here we see a direct parallel to Job's experience, as Isaac sows in a time of famine and reaps a hundredfold due to the Lord's blessing, illustrating the prosperity Job experienced.
1 Samuel 2:7This verse from Hannah's prayer confirms God's sovereign power over both poverty and wealth, aligning with the understanding that Job's prosperity was a direct result of God's blessing, not just his own efforts.
bensonJob 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."
Job 1:10 . Hast thou not made a hedge about him? — Protected him with a thorny and inaccessible defence, or secured him, by thy special care and providence, from all harm and inconveniences? which is sufficient to oblige and win persons of the worst tempers; and about his house — His children and se…
clarkeJob 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 a hedge about him - Thou hast fortified him with spikes and spears. Thou hast defended him as by an unapproachable hedge. He is an object of thy peculiar care; and is not exposed to the common trials of life.
Satan's argument isn't just that God protected Job, but that God over-protected him, creating an almost impenetrable defense. The original Hebrew word for "hedge" suggests something more like a fortified wall or a thorny barrier, implying God's protection was so immense it was nearly impossible for any trouble to breach. This suggests that Job's faithfulness might have been a response to an overwhelming, almost guaranteed security, rather than a free choice.
Satan, appearing before God, accuses Job of serving God only because he's been blessed with immense wealth and protection. He argues that Job's devotion is superficial and would vanish if God withdrew his favor. This exchange sets the stage for God to allow Satan to test Job, removing his protective hedge and allowing his fortunes to be destroyed to see if his faith will endure.
Satan, appearing before God, accuses Job of serving God only because he's been blessed with immense wealth and protection. He argues that Job's devotion is superficial and would vanish if God withdrew his favor. This exchange sets the stage for God to allow Satan to test Job, removing his protective hedge and allowing his fortunes to be destroyed to see if his faith will endure.
"Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land." — Satan's argument isn't just that God protected Job, but that God over-protected him, creating an almost impenetrable defense. The original Hebrew word for "hedge" suggests something more like a f…
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Last reviewed October 2026