Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the fox is considered an unclean animal, as it is not among the creatures that the Israelites were permitted to eat according to the dietary laws outlined in the Old Testament. The fox is mentioned in several passages, often symbolizing cunning, destruction, and desolation.Biblical References: 1. Leviticus 11:27 · While the specific mention of the fox is not found in the dietary laws, it falls under the category of animals that walk on paws, which are deemed unclean: "All the four-footed animals that walk on paws are unclean for you; whoever touches their carcasses will be unclean until evening." 2. Song of Solomon 2:15 · The fox is used metaphorically to represent small, destructive forces: "Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom." Here, the foxes symbolize minor problems or sins that can cause significant damage if not addressed. 3. Nehemiah 4:3 · In this passage, the fox is used to mock the efforts of the Israelites in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem: "Then Tobiah the Ammonite, who was beside him, said, 'Even if a fox were to climb up on it, it would break down their wall of stones!'" 4. Ezekiel 13:4 · The fox is used to describe false prophets: "Your prophets, O Israel, are like foxes among the ruins." This imagery suggests deceit and the spreading of falsehoods, as foxes are known for their cunning nature. 5. Luke 13:32 · Jesus refers to Herod Antipas as a fox, indicating cunning and malice: "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.'" This usage underscores the fox's association with slyness and craftiness. Symbolism and Interpretation: In biblical literature, the fox often symbolizes cunning, deceit, and destruction. Its nocturnal and elusive nature makes it a fitting metaphor for subtle and insidious threats. The fox's reputation for being sly and crafty is reflected in its biblical portrayal, where it is often associated with negative traits and actions. The fox's unclean status in the Levitical laws underscores the broader theme of separation between the holy and the profane, a recurring motif in the Old Testament. The Israelites were called to be distinct from the surrounding nations, and adherence to dietary laws was one way to maintain this distinction. Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the fox was commonly associated with trickery and cunning. This perception is consistent with the biblical portrayal and would have resonated with the original audience of the Scriptures. The fox's behavior and characteristics made it an apt symbol for illustrating moral and spiritual lessons. Overall, the fox serves as a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing the dangers of deceit, the need for vigilance against small but destructive influences, and the importance of maintaining purity and holiness in accordance with God's commandments. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 63:10They shall fall by the sword: they shall be a portion for foxes. Torrey's Topical Textbook Songs 2:15 Library Argument. --And Thus Unclean Animals are not to be Reproached ... On the Animals The Gospel of Luke Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses. An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... Book iv Thus Gently Sang the Lady Philosophy with Dignified Mien ... His Schools and Schoolmasters. The Life of S. Hilarion. 2 Cor. Iii. 1 A Discourse Resources What are the four beasts in Daniel chapter 7? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of lions in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org How should a Christian respond to bullying? | GotQuestions.org Beasts: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Beasts: Capable of Being Tamed Beasts: Clean used for Sacrifice Beasts: Clean: First Born of, not Redeemed Beasts: Clean: How Distinguished Beasts: Creation of, Exhibits God's Power Beasts: Devoid of Understanding Beasts: Differ in Flesh from Birds and Fishes Beasts: Domestic: Not to be Cruelly Used Beasts: Domestic: To be Taken Care of Beasts: Domestic: To Enjoy the Sabbath Beasts: Early Distinguished Into Clean and Unclean Beasts: Frequently Suffered on Account of the Sins of Men Beasts: Given to Man for Food After the Flood Beasts: Habitations of Dens and Caves Beasts: Habitations of Deserted Cities Beasts: Habitations of Under Spreading Trees Beasts: Herb of the Field Given To, for Food Beasts: History of, Written by Solomon Beasts: Instinctively Fear Man Beasts: Lessons of Wisdom to be Learned From Beasts: Made for the Praise and Glory of God Beasts: Man by Nature No Better Than Beasts: Many Kinds of, Domestic Beasts: Many Kinds of, Noisome and Destructive Beasts: No Likeness of, to be Worshipped Beasts: Not to be Eaten Alive or With Blood Beasts: Often Cut off for the Sins of Men Beasts: Often Used As Instruments of Punishment Beasts: People of Different Nations Beasts: Power Over, Given to Man Beasts: Received Their Names from Adam Beasts: Representations of, Worshipped by the Heathen Beasts: Subjects of God's Care Beasts: Supply Clothing to Man Beasts: That Died Naturally or Were Torn, not to be Eaten Beasts: Unclean: Caused Uncleanness when Dead Beasts: Unclean: First Born of, Redeemed Beasts: Unclean: How Distinguished Beasts: Unclean: Not offered in Sacrifice Related Terms |