Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Job 1:10. It’s a really beautiful and thought-provoking piece of scripture! Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God has been incredibly generous with the person of Job, and he’s experiencing a wonderful increase in his wealth and happiness. Let’s look at each part: “Hast thou not made an hedge about him…” : This means God didn't build a wall or barrier around Job. He didn’t protect him from harm or misfortune. “…and about his house…” : This refers to his home, his dwelling place, and everything inside it. “And about all that he hath on every side?” : This is the key part! It means God has given Job a tremendous amount of wealth and possessions – things he’s worked hard for. “Thou hast blessed the work of his hands…” : This is saying that God has praised Job's skill, effort, and talent in creating things. He appreciates the labor and ingenuity behind his accomplishments. “…and his substance is increased in the land.” : This means Job’s wealth and prosperity have grown significantly – he’s become richer in the world than ever before! So, putting it all together: God has given Job a truly fantastic situation. He's not just comfortable; he's wealthy and prosperous , and this abundance is growing his value and happiness in the world. What’s the bigger picture? This verse often gets interpreted as a test of faith. It suggests that God isn’t simply interested in our comfort, but also in our ability to trust in Him and persevere through difficult times. It's a reminder that God can work miracles even when things seem bleak. Important Note: The Bible doesn't explicitly say why God is blessing Job. It's often seen as a way of highlighting God’s love and power. --- Would you like me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, or perhaps discuss the context of the whole chapter (Job)? Do you have any specific questions about it? For example, are you curious about: The meaning of “the hedge” – what does that suggest? How this relates to our own lives and challenges?