Opening the Gates of Heaven Perry Stone

children. When Satan attempted to attack Job, he was unable to penetrate the hedge that surrounded Job and his possessions on every side (v. 10). Only when the hedge was removed was Satan permitted to steal and destroy, beginning with the animals, then the children, and eventually Job’s health (Job chapters 1–2). In Job’s case, the words of Solomon rang true: “He who digs a pit will fall into it, and whoever breaks through a wall will be bitten by a serpent” (Eccles. 10:8). I personally believe the hedge was an encampment of angels, for angels are assigned to encircle those who fear the Lord (Ps. 34:7). This angelic force would have prevented any form of destruction or danger from entering Job’s property lines. I believe that the adversary uses circumstances and especially wrong influences to create mental barriers and unhealthy soul ties, which often prevent a sinner from coming to Christ. Negative and sin-encouraging individuals are like the armor bearer of Goliath. This Philistine giant already had the advantage of being nearly twice the size of the average Jew and was armed with huge weapons of destruction. Yet there was a shield bearer who went before him. Any assailant would need to pass the armor bearer to get to the giant (1 Sam. 17:7). To prevent a parent from reaching his or her child, there are demonic armor bearers, so to speak, that are placing walls between the deliverer and the one bound. C ALLING ON