In biblical literature, the mention of foxes and their dens serves as a metaphorical illustration of various spiritual and moral truths. The fox, a small and cunning animal, is often associated with slyness and craftiness. The dens of foxes, their places of refuge and rest, are referenced in Scripture to convey deeper meanings about security, belonging, and the transient nature of earthly dwellings.

One of the most notable references to foxes and their dens is found in the New Testament. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus uses the imagery of foxes and their dens to highlight the cost of discipleship and the lack of earthly security for those who follow Him. In Matthew 8:20 , Jesus states, "Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head." This statement underscores the itinerant and sacrificial nature of Jesus' ministry, contrasting the natural provision for animals with His own lack of a permanent home. It serves as a reminder to His followers that the call to discipleship may require the relinquishment of worldly comforts and securities.

The imagery of foxes and their dens also appears in the Old Testament, where it is often used to describe desolation and destruction. In the Song of Solomon 2:15 , the foxes are depicted as threats to the vineyard: "Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, for our vineyards are in bloom." Here, the foxes symbolize small, seemingly insignificant problems or sins that can cause significant damage if left unchecked. The call to catch the foxes serves as an admonition to guard against the subtle encroachments that can spoil spiritual fruitfulness and harmony.

In the prophetic literature, the desolation of foxes' dens is used to depict the judgment and ruin of cities. Lamentations 5:18 laments the destruction of Zion, stating, "because of Mount Zion, which lies desolate, with foxes prowling in it." The presence of foxes in the ruins of a once-thriving city serves as a vivid image of desolation and abandonment, a consequence of the people's disobedience and turning away from God.

The metaphor of foxes and their dens, therefore, serves multiple purposes in Scripture. It illustrates the transient nature of earthly security, the vigilance required to maintain spiritual integrity, and the consequences of turning away from divine guidance. Through these images, the Bible communicates profound truths about the nature of discipleship, the vigilance needed in spiritual life, and the reality of divine judgment.Matthew 8:20
And Jesus said to him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man has not where to lay his head.
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Luke 9:58
And Jesus said to him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man has not where to lay his head.
Nave's Topical Index

Some Gospel Truths Opened, According to the Scriptures; Or, the ...
... The works of Fox, Penn, Barclay, and others, with their books of discipline, and
yearly ... righteous be a prey to your teeth, ye subtle foxes; your dens are in ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/some gospel truths opened according.htm

The Creation of Terrestrial Animals.
... the horse has strong passions, the wolf cannot be tamed, the fox is deceitful ... thick,
without articulations such as are necessary for a cold dweller in dens. ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily ix the creation of.htm

Christ Precious to Believers
... We have no Fox to write their martyrology, they have not the flesh-contenting ... feet
are weary, and nature says rest, but they go into the lowest dens and haunts ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/christ precious to believers.htm

Communion Again Broken --Restoration
... she, who so recently was at His side, who joyfully braved the dens of lions ... Charles
Fox in an address at Keswick, as the Church of Philadelphia is the Church ...
/.../taylor/union and communion/section iv communion again brokenrestoration.htm

One Lion Two Lions no Lion at All
... would fall upon them; and whereas many of God's Daniels have lived in dens of lions ...
You know how to get over the gospel somehow; like an old fox, you know all ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/one lion two lions no.htm

Righteous Hatred
... If it come to thee as a little fox, take heed of it, for it will ... Send your missionaries
to foreign parts and let them penetrate the dens and alleys of London. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/righteous hatred.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

A Discourse
... Hence, again, when Christ calls his spouse out to suffer, he calls or draws her
out of his house in Lebanon, to look 'from the lions' dens, from the mountains ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... 24). Also, in later days, whoso reads Mr. Fox's Acts and Monuments, will
also find several things to confirm this for truth. God ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

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