Moving the Boundaries
In Biblical times, fences did not separate most fields, nor did people have deeds to the property they owned. A person could legally transfer property simply by giving someone a sandal in the presence of a witness (Ruth 4:7). Property lines would be marked by stones, mounds of dirt, a ditch, or perhaps by upright wooden posts,
A person could not move a boundary stone without permission. Dishonest people might try to move these boundaries to increase their own property at the expense of their neighbor’s lands. In the Jewish mind, the removal of a landmark was one of the greatest crimes. The book of Job, for example, Job complained about men moving the boundary stones and stealing his land (Job 24:2). It was a serious matter to God, also. In Hosea 5:10, the prophet warned the Jewish leaders they were ruling like those who “…move boundary stones…” and “…I will pour out My wrath on them…”
You see, boundary stones represented fairness, order, law, and love for one’s neighbor. They served as visible reminders that there are certain boundaries one is not to cross or encroach upon.
Today, there are some that seek to remove boundaries that God does not want moved. Respect for moral law is important. In addition, respect for Jesus’ teaching is being challenged. For believers, Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith.
We must always remember that there are certain boundaries we must not cross. Why? Because, like the old children’s song says, “Because the Bible tells me so.”
Rob Combs, Minister
In Biblical times, fences did not separate most fields, nor did people have deeds to the property they owned. A person could legally transfer property simply by giving someone a sandal in the presence of a witness (Ruth 4:7). Property lines would be marked by stones, mounds of dirt, a ditch, or perhaps by upright wooden posts,
A person could not move a boundary stone without permission. Dishonest people might try to move these boundaries to increase their own property at the expense of their neighbor’s lands. In the Jewish mind, the removal of a landmark was one of the greatest crimes. The book of Job, for example, Job complained about men moving the boundary stones and stealing his land (Job 24:2). It was a serious matter to God, also. In Hosea 5:10, the prophet warned the Jewish leaders they were ruling like those who “…move boundary stones…” and “…I will pour out My wrath on them…”
You see, boundary stones represented fairness, order, law, and love for one’s neighbor. They served as visible reminders that there are certain boundaries one is not to cross or encroach upon.
Today, there are some that seek to remove boundaries that God does not want moved. Respect for moral law is important. In addition, respect for Jesus’ teaching is being challenged. For believers, Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith.
We must always remember that there are certain boundaries we must not cross. Why? Because, like the old children’s song says, “Because the Bible tells me so.”
Rob Combs, Minister
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