You see them everywhere, from rural fields to suburban yards. Fences come in many different styles, and just about everyone seems to have one. They represent safety and security, protecting our loved ones, making our yards into sanctuaries, and keeping our property safe. Did you ever think about the history of the fence? In many ways, fences have had a major impact on the development of modern civilization.

Whether it is for safety, wealth, or isolation purposes, there is no denying that fences still carry significant symbolic importance in many societies today. But they are also ubiquitous: Strung together, the world’s fences would likely reach the sun. Just taking the American West by itself, it is latticed by more than 620,000 miles of fence—enough to encircle the earth more than 75 times.

Who first came up with the idea of fences? There are certainly famous “fences” in ancient history, from the Great Wall of China to the Walls of Jericho. Fences became a feature of civilization as cultures transitioned from nomads to landowners and farmers. In a way, fences have laid the foundation of the modern world.

In the modern era, fences have continued to evolve, with the development of new materials and construction techniques. Today, fences are an essential part of any security system, providing both physical and psychological protection. They are used to protect everything from homes and businesses to government installations and military bases. Innovations such as electric fences, security cameras, and access control systems have made it possible to create highly secure environments.

These new technologies have also made it easier than ever to monitor and control who enters a particular area. Implicitly, the ability to access these physical barriers require some sort of credential — such as an invitation or pass — suggesting the presence of a system that excluded certain people from access.

Possible Preaching Angle:

Scripture mentions fences, walls, hedges, and boundaries nearly 350 times. These structures serve literal purposes, such as defending cities, protecting livestock, and marking territorial boundaries. However, their symbolic significance is profound. Satan challenged God's protection of Job by referencing a "hedge" around him (Job 1:10). Jesus likened himself to a "good shepherd" who encloses his sheep in a protective fold (John 10:1-10). The New Jerusalem, described as having a wall, symbolizes a place of ultimate safety and exclusivity for the saved, while excluding the unrighteous (Rev. 21:27).