Topical Encyclopedia In the Bible, the terms "fox" and "jackal" are often used interchangeably due to the similarities between these animals in the ancient Near Eastern context. Both animals are known for their cunning nature and are often associated with desolation and destruction in the biblical narrative.Hebrew and Greek Terms The Hebrew word "שׁוּעָל" (shu'al) is commonly translated as "fox" in English Bibles, but it can also refer to a jackal. The Greek equivalent in the New Testament is "ἀλώπηξ" (alōpēx), which is translated as "fox." Old Testament References 1. Judges 15:4-5: One of the most notable references to foxes is found in the account of Samson. "Then Samson went out and caught three hundred foxes, and he took torches, turned the foxes tail to tail, and put a torch between each pair of tails. Then he lit the torches and released the foxes into the standing grain of the Philistines, burning up the shocks and standing grain, along with the vineyards and olive groves." This passage highlights the use of foxes in an act of vengeance, demonstrating their role in causing destruction. 2. Song of Solomon 2:15: Foxes are mentioned in a metaphorical sense: "Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, for our vineyards are in bloom." Here, foxes symbolize small problems or sins that can cause significant damage if not addressed. 3. Lamentations 5:18: The desolation of Zion is described with the imagery of foxes: "because of Mount Zion, which lies desolate, patrolled by foxes." This portrays foxes as creatures that inhabit places of ruin and abandonment. New Testament Reference 1. Luke 13:32: Jesus uses the term "fox" to describe Herod Antipas: "Go tell that fox, ‘Look, I will keep driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach My goal.’" In this context, "fox" is used to convey cunning and deceitfulness, reflecting Herod's character. Symbolism and Interpretation In biblical literature, foxes and jackals are often symbolic of cunning, destruction, and desolation. They are creatures that thrive in wastelands and are frequently associated with the judgment and desolation of cities and nations. The use of these animals in metaphorical language serves to illustrate the consequences of sin and the cunning nature of those who oppose God's will. Cultural and Historical Context In the ancient Near East, both foxes and jackals were common animals. They were known for their nocturnal habits and their ability to adapt to various environments, including urban areas and ruins. This adaptability made them fitting symbols for the themes of destruction and cunning found in the biblical text. Theological Implications The biblical references to foxes and jackals serve as reminders of the subtle and often destructive nature of sin. They also highlight the need for vigilance in spiritual matters, as small, seemingly insignificant issues can lead to greater harm if left unchecked. The imagery of foxes in the Bible calls believers to be aware of the cunning tactics of those who oppose God's purposes and to remain steadfast in their faith. Scripture Alphabet Of Animals Fox or JackalIt is not quite certain whether the fox mentioned in the Bible is the same animal that we now call by that name. It probably means what we now call the jackal. This animal is about as large as a common sized dog, and its color is yellow, or reddish brown. It never goes out alone to seek its food, but always in companies of forty or fifty together. Then they make strange noises, which sound very much like the crying of children. They do not go out for their food in the daytime, but wait till it begins to be dark; and then they kill all the animals they can find that are not too strong for them. Sometimes a large animal like the lion will hear the cries that they make when they are hunting, and will come and snatch away from them whatever they have found. These foxes or jackals have been known to scratch away the earth from graves that have been lately made, and then devour the bodies of the dead. This explains a verse in the sixty-second Psalm,Psalm 66 where David says of those who "seek his soul to destroy it," - "They shall fall by the sword; they shall be a portion for foxes." They eat plants of different kinds; sometimes roots, and sometimes fruits. This is one of the verses in Solomon's Song, "Take us the foxes, the little foxes which spoil the vines; for our vines have tender grapes." These animals are often found in great numbers around the walls and ruins of old cities; they live in holes or burrows which they dig in the ground. Our Savior says, "The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head." We have read this verse so many times that we scarcely think how much it means; but was it not a wonderful thing that when Christ came from his bright throne in heaven to this poor earth, he should not find even a home here? Every animal on all the hills has its shelter and hiding-place; every little bird in all the forest has its comfortable nest; but our Savior "had not where to lay his head." During all his life he was "a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief." For whom did he suffer all this?-and when his sorrowful life was ended, for whom did he die? I need not tell you this, dear child, but I may ask you, "Is there nothing we can do Strong's Hebrew 7776. shual -- fox, perhaps jackal... 7775, 7776. shual. 7777 . fox, perhaps jackal. Transliteration: shual Phonetic Spelling: (shoo-awl') Short Definition: foxes. Word ... /hebrew/7776.htm - 6k Library The Cross as a Social Principle The House of Zacharias. Resources Who was Clarence Larkin? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Charles Parham? | GotQuestions.org Who was Herod Antipas? | GotQuestions.org Fox: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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