DIVINE BOUNDARIES IN THE CREATED ORDER: THEOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS, ONTOLOGICAL LIMITS, AND THE DUAL CONSEQUENCES OF TRANSGRESSION
This study explores the concept of boundary (gevul, limit, separation, or domain) as a fundamental principle embedded in the biblical doctrine of creation. Drawing primarily from Genesis 1:4 (the separation of light and darkness), Jeremiah 33:20 (the unbreakable covenant with day and night), and Jude 1:6 (the angels who abandoned their proper domain), it defines boundaries as God-ordained structures that establish limits, roles, functions, and rights within the created order. This study examines boundary (gevul in Hebrew – border, limit, landmark) as a core biblical principle rooted in God’s creative act. It defines boundaries as God-ordained demarcations that establish limits, roles, functions, and rights for the created order and human society. Using Genesis 1:4 (cosmic separation), Jeremiah 33:20 (covenantal stability), Jude 1:6 (angelic domains), Proverbs 23:10, and Deuteronomy 27:17 (human landmarks and social justice), the paper demonstrates that violating boundaries produces both physical (social, economic, ecological disorder) and spiritual (covenant-breaking, judgment) consequences. The paper argues that these boundaries reflect God’s wisdom, sustain cosmic and moral order, and carry both physical (natural/ecological) and spiritual (relational/covenantal/judgmental) dimensions. Distorting or transgressing them leads to chaos, judgment, and brokenness.
Keywords: Boundaries, Landmark, Cosmic separation, Moral order, Transgression, Covenantal stability, Fundamental principle