“Whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him” (Eccl. 10:8).
This verse speaks to husbands who are the priests and spiritual defenders of their families. The word husband comes from an Old English word meaning “house-bond” or “house-covenant.”
It expresses the idea that the man roamed at will while single, but now that he has entered a covenant with his wife, he will stay home to love and protect those in his care. The true husband accepts the role and responsibilities which go with being a “house-bond.”
In the Bible the word hedge is used to indicate any enclosure placed around something to protect it. In the Old Testament, Satan complained to God that He had put a hedge around Job so he was untouchable (Job 1:10). In the book of Ezekiel, the nation of Israel was so spiritually unprotected that God was looking for a man to make up the hedge and stand in the gap (Ezek. 22:30). He found none.
My concern is that Christian husbands make sure that they do not break down the spiritual hedge that surround their homes and family. A broken hedge weakens the moral stamina of the family and allows the serpent to gain entrance.
Adam had a spiritual enclosure in the Garden of Eden. His Job was to be fruitful, multiply, replenish, and subdue. One act of rebellious disobedience on his part and the serpent was able to get in and infect the whole human race with the venom of sin and death.
Christian man, be the “house-bond,” the husband who prays for, encourages, praises, and inspires his family members. If you will keep your home in spiritual purity and strength, you will keep the serpent out.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.