In the Bible, foxes are mentioned in various contexts, often symbolizing cunning, destruction, and desolation. These small, nocturnal animals are known for their sly nature and are frequently used metaphorically in Scripture to convey deeper spiritual truths.

Old Testament References

1. Judges 15:4-5: One of the most notable mentions of foxes is in the account of Samson. In an act of vengeance against the Philistines, Samson captures 300 foxes, ties their tails together in pairs with torches, and releases them into the Philistines' grain fields, vineyards, and olive groves, causing widespread destruction. This event highlights the foxes' role as instruments of divine retribution and chaos.

2. Song of Solomon 2:15: Foxes are used metaphorically in the Song of Solomon, where the lovers speak of catching "the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, for our vineyards are in bloom." Here, foxes symbolize small, seemingly insignificant problems or sins that can cause significant damage to relationships if left unchecked.

3. Lamentations 5:18: In this lament over the desolation of Jerusalem, the presence of foxes is a sign of the city's ruin: "Mount Zion lies desolate, overrun by foxes." The imagery of foxes inhabiting the ruins underscores the complete devastation and abandonment of the once-thriving city.

New Testament Reference

1. Luke 13:32: Jesus uses the term "fox" to describe Herod Antipas, saying, "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, the fox represents cunning and deceit, as Jesus characterizes Herod as a crafty and untrustworthy ruler.

Symbolism and Interpretation

In biblical literature, foxes often symbolize cunning, deceit, and destruction. They are creatures that operate under the cover of darkness, much like the hidden sins or subtle threats that can undermine spiritual and communal well-being. The metaphorical use of foxes in Scripture serves as a warning to be vigilant against seemingly minor issues that can lead to greater harm.

Foxes also represent desolation and judgment, as seen in the prophetic and poetic texts where their presence signifies the abandonment and ruin of once-prosperous places. This imagery serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the resulting spiritual desolation.

Overall, the biblical portrayal of foxes provides rich symbolism for understanding the nature of sin, the importance of vigilance in spiritual life, and the reality of divine judgment.1. (n.) Plural of Fox.

2. (n. pl.) See Fox.

258. alopex -- a fox
... like, crafty person. Word Origin of uncertain origin Definition a fox NASB
Word Usage fox (1), foxes (2). fox. Of uncertain derivation ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/258.htm - 6k8169. Shaalbim -- perhaps "(haunt of) foxes," a city in Dan
... Shaalbim. 8170 . perhaps "(haunt of) foxes," a city in Dan. Transliteration: Shaalbim
Phonetic Spelling: (shah-al-beem') Short Definition: Shaalbim. ...
/hebrew/8169.htm - 6k

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

8171. Shealim -- an area searched by Saul
... Shalim. Plural of shuw'al; foxes; Shaalim, a place in Palestine -- Shalim. see HEBREW
shuw'al. 8170, 8171. Shealim. 8172 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/8171.htm - 6k

Little Foxes
... LITTLE FOXES. ... These fences keep out the bears, because they cut themselves on the
glass in trying to climb over, and they also keep out some of the foxes. ...
/.../chidley/fifty-two story talks to boys and girls/little foxes.htm

The Little Foxes.
... THE LITTLE FOXES. One little fox is, "Some other time." If you track him
up, you come to his hole"never. Another little fox is ...
/.../orr/food for the lambs or helps for young christians/the little foxes.htm

October 3. "The Little Foxes that Spoil the vines" (Song of ...
... OCTOBER 3. "The little foxes that spoil the vines" (Song of Solomon, ii. 15).
"The little foxes that spoil the vines" (Song of Solomon, ii.15). ...
/.../simpson/days of heaven upon earth /october 3 the little foxes.htm

Take us the Little Foxes that Spoil the vines; for Our vine is in ...
... CHAPTER II. 15. Take us the little foxes that spoil the vines; for our vine
is in blossom. The faithful soul prays her beloved that ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/15 take us the little.htm

Chapter ii.
... 15. Take us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines; for our vines
have tender grapes.15. Take us the little foxes that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/chapter ii.htm

The Story of Samson, the Strong Man
... He caught all the wild foxes that he could find, until he had three hundred
of them. Then he tied them together in pairs, by their ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of samson the.htm

Communion Broken --Restoration
... Alas that He should seek in vain! Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that
spoil the vineyards; ... And how numerous the little foxes are! ...
/.../taylor/union and communion/section ii communion brokenrestoration.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke ix. 57, Etc. , Where the Case of ...
... "Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man hath
not where to lay His Head." [3250] But where hath He not? In thy faith. ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon l on the words.htm

Here Some one Will Say, this is Now not to Write of virginity...
... certain proud and crafty person had said to Him, "Lord, I will follow Thee
whithersoever Thou shalt have gone;" [2213] to whom He made answer, "Foxes have ...
/.../augustine/of holy virginity /section 52 here some one.htm

The Bride's Reminiscences
... VOICES OF THE BROTHERS (heard interrupting). "Take us the foxes, The little foxes
that spoil the vineyards; For our vineyards are in blossom.". * * *. ...
/.../select masterpieces of biblical literature/vii the brides reminiscences.htm

Foxes (9 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Plural of Fox. 2. (n. pl.) See Fox.
Multi-Version Concordance Foxes (9 Occurrences). Matthew 8:20 ...
/f/foxes.htm - 9k

Fox (2 Occurrences)
... it is more easily caught than the fox; (2) that the fox is shy and suspicious, and
flies mankind, while the jackal does not; and (3) that foxes are difficult ...
/f/fox.htm - 13k

Sticks (25 Occurrences)
... Judges 15:4 So Samson went and got three hundred foxes and some sticks of fire-wood;
and he put the foxes tail to tail with a stick between every two tails ...
/s/sticks.htm - 14k

Holes (36 Occurrences)
... Matthew 8:20 Jesus said to him, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the sky
have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head." (WEB KJV WEY ASV ...
/h/holes.htm - 17k

Nests (9 Occurrences)
... Matthew 8:20 Jesus said to him, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the sky
have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head." (WEB KJV WEY ASV ...
/n/nests.htm - 8k

Nowhere (16 Occurrences)
... Matthew 8:20 Jesus said to him, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the sky
have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head." (WEB WEY BBE NAS ...
/n/nowhere.htm - 11k

Fire-wood (4 Occurrences)
... Judges 15:4 So Samson went and got three hundred foxes and some sticks of fire-wood;
and he put the foxes tail to tail with a stick between every two tails ...
/f/fire-wood.htm - 7k

Firebrand (3 Occurrences)
... udh, used for a burning stick taken out of the fire): In Judges 15:4, 5 describing
the "brands" (margin "torches") which Samson tied to the foxes' tails, the ...
/f/firebrand.htm - 9k

Trap (35 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) A machine or contrivance that shuts suddenly, as with a spring, used
for taking game or other animals; as, a trap for foxes. ...
/t/trap.htm - 19k

Tail (16 Occurrences)
... The 2nd Hebrew word is used of the tails of serpents (Exodus 4:4), of foxes, which
Samson tied together in his cruel sport, in order to destroy the grainfields ...
/t/tail.htm - 13k

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