Topical Bible: The Fox: Abounded in Palestine

◄ The Fox: Abounded in Palestine ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The fox, a small to medium-sized omnivorous mammal, is mentioned several times in the Bible, often symbolizing cunning, destruction, and desolation. In the context of ancient Palestine, the fox was a common animal, well-adapted to the region's diverse landscapes, from the arid deserts to the more fertile areas.

Biblical References:

1. Judges 15:4-5 · One of the most notable mentions of foxes in the Bible 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 passage highlights the fox's role as an agent of chaos and destruction: "Then Samson went out and caught three hundred foxes. He took torches, turned the foxes tail to tail, and fastened a torch between each pair of tails."

2. Song of Solomon 2:15 · In this poetic book, foxes are used metaphorically to represent small problems or sins that can cause significant damage if not addressed. The verse states, "Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, for our vineyards are in bloom." Here, the foxes symbolize the subtle threats to the purity and integrity of love and relationships.

3. Lamentations 5:18 · The desolation of Jerusalem is poignantly described with the imagery of foxes roaming freely among the ruins: "because of Mount Zion, which lies desolate, with foxes prowling in it." This depiction underscores the complete devastation and abandonment of the once-thriving city, with foxes as a symbol of desolation.

4. Nehemiah 4:3 · During the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, the enemies of the Jews mock their efforts, suggesting that even a fox could break down their wall: "Even if a fox were to climb up on it, he would break down their wall of stones!" This taunt reflects the perceived weakness and fragility of the Jews' work, using the fox as a symbol of minimal force capable of causing destruction.

5. Luke 13:32 · In the New Testament, Jesus refers to Herod Antipas as a "fox," indicating cunning and deceitfulness: "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 reputation for slyness and craftiness.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance:

In the biblical context, the fox is often associated with negative traits such as cunning, deceit, and destruction. Its presence in various narratives serves as a metaphor for subtle threats and the potential for ruin. The fox's adaptability and prevalence in the region of Palestine made it a fitting symbol for these themes.

The fox's role in biblical literature reflects the broader cultural understanding of the animal in the ancient Near East, where it was commonly seen as a clever and sometimes troublesome creature. Its ability to thrive in diverse environments made it a familiar figure to the people of biblical times, who would have readily understood the symbolic meanings attributed to it in Scripture.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 15:4
And Samson went and caught three hundred foxes, and took firebrands, and turned tail to tail, and put a firebrand in the middle between two tails.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Lamentations 5:18
Because of the mountain of Zion, which is desolate, the foxes walk on it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Discourse
... That part of Palestine in which the celebrated mountains of Lebanon are situated,
is the border country adjoining Syria, having Sidon for its seaport, and Land ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Drawn by Boudier, from photograph No.336 of the Palestine Exploration Fund. ...
[Illustration: 268.jpg MAP OF PALESTINE IN TIME OF THE JUDGES]. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm