Job 1:16 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. 17 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
In the instance with Job, it becomes evident that no matter what security measures may be put in place, if the hedge is removed, or missing for some reason, the Christian on his own stands powerless against a foe, who can move upon human agents to plan and carry out acts of carnage.
As we study, we must remember that Job’s case was an extreme example of what takes place behind the scenes, because God does not usually permit such incursions against His people on a regular basis. But it was necessary for God to draw back the curtains, between the visible and invisible world.
Hedges are removed for other reasons than what took place with Job by permission. By the rejection of God’s law, and by casting aspersions on His word, persons, communities, cities, and governments can cause hedges to be removed, for angels often would not go where they are not welcome or needed.
Joshua 7:10 And the Lord said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face? 11 Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put it even among their own stuff. 12 Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they were accursed: neither will I be with you any more, except you destroy the accursed from among you.
May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!