What is a Hedge of Protection?

Have you ever been in a prayer group and someone prays for a hedge of protection? "Lord, we pray a hedge of protection around Lundeen and her family." A hedge of protection? Like bushes? Why not pray for a fortress with a moat around it and armed sentries? Is the devil allergic to certain shrubs?

This phrase comes from the conversation between God and Satan over the Lord's servant, Job. In Job 1:8, "The Lord said to Satan, 'Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?'

"Then Satan said, 'Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side?" Satan believed if Job was afflicted he would curse God, which didn't happen. But let's talk about this "hedge of protection."

Now such a hedge wasn't supposed to defend against an army. It was meant to keep wild animals from attacking family or livestock. This border of dense bushes would have been like growing a barb wire fence—it would have been full of thorns and thistles wild animals wanted to avoid.

Throughout the Scriptures, Satan and his servants are often depicted as wild animals. 1 Peter 5:8 says, "Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." False teachers are described as wolves attacking the sheep.

Praying for a spiritual hedge is to pray for protection from these predators. But there's probably nothing wrong with praying for a high castle wall either. After all, Psalm 18:2 says, "The Lord is my fortress... in whom I take refuge," when we understand the text!