Topical Bible: The Fox: Cunning and Deceitful Persons

◄ The Fox: Cunning and Deceitful Persons ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical literature, the fox is often emblematic of cunning, deceit, and destruction. This imagery is drawn from the animal's natural characteristics and behaviors, which are then metaphorically applied to certain individuals or groups who exhibit similar traits. The fox's reputation for slyness and its nocturnal habits make it an apt symbol for those who operate under the cover of darkness, engaging in deceitful or destructive activities.

Old Testament References

The fox appears in several Old Testament passages, often in contexts that highlight its destructive nature. In the Song of Solomon 2:15, the foxes are described as small but capable of ruining vineyards: "Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, for our vineyards are in bloom." . Here, the foxes symbolize minor yet insidious threats that can undermine the beauty and productivity of a vineyard, which is often interpreted as a metaphor for relationships or spiritual life.

In the book of Judges, Samson uses foxes in a destructive act against the Philistines. Judges 15:4-5 recounts how Samson caught 300 foxes, tied their tails together in pairs, fastened a torch to each pair, and released them into the Philistines' grain fields, vineyards, and olive groves, causing widespread devastation. This act of cunning and retribution underscores the fox's association with cleverness and destruction.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, Jesus Himself uses the imagery of a fox to describe Herod Antipas. In Luke 13:32, Jesus responds to a warning about Herod's intentions by 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.’" . Here, Jesus characterizes Herod as a fox, implying cunning and deceitfulness, as well as a lack of genuine power or authority over His divine mission.

Symbolism and Interpretation

The fox's symbolism in the Bible extends beyond its literal presence to represent individuals who are deceitful, manipulative, and destructive. These "foxes" are often those who undermine the work of God or the integrity of His people through subtle and cunning means. The metaphor serves as a warning to be vigilant against such influences, whether they come from external threats or internal weaknesses.

In a broader spiritual context, the fox can also represent the subtle sins and temptations that threaten to erode one's faith and commitment to God. Just as the little foxes spoil the vineyards, so too can seemingly minor sins or compromises lead to significant spiritual decay if left unchecked.

Practical Application

For believers, the biblical portrayal of the fox serves as a call to discernment and vigilance. It encourages Christians to be aware of the cunning and deceitful tactics that may be employed by those opposed to God's purposes. This awareness is not only applicable to external threats but also to the internal struggles against sin and temptation. By recognizing and addressing these "foxes," believers can protect their spiritual vineyards and maintain their relationship with God.

In summary, the fox in biblical literature is a powerful symbol of cunning and deceit, representing those who seek to undermine God's work through subtle and destructive means. The imagery serves as a reminder to remain vigilant and discerning in one's spiritual journey.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 13:32
And he said to them, Go you, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Paul Before the Council.
... not again," called Herod the tetrarch, "a fox," on account of his cunning and cruelty. ...
its government, see every object through a deceitful medium; and ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxvi paul before the.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... Persons of riper age, whose reminiscences go back to the times of the slave trade,
slavery, and war, will call to ... 'The devil is a cunning schoolmaster.' Satan ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

The Holy War,
... pursued their advantage with the usual license of rapine and plunder, and miserably
sacked the whole town, without any distinction of persons and places. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy war.htm

Some Gospel Truths Opened, According to the Scriptures; Or, the ...
... 1. George Fox's Journal, folio, p.144. ... mayest be able to escape the snare of this
cunning hunter, I ... but as the word of God, without respect of persons, and be ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/some gospel truths opened according.htm

The Christ of the Gospels. By Rev. Professor Schaff.
... Edmund Burke said to Fox in the English Parliament ... could an impostor, that is, a
deceitful, selfish, depraved man ... in the wilderness was a cunning Pharisee, and ...
/.../the christ of the gospels.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... that course of sin which is got into their families, persons, and professions ... with
good words and fair speeches, by their crafty and cunning sleights, whereby ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ...
... and the heart.' "Try MY reins and my heart.' for it is deceitful above all ... let every
one,' seems to extend itself to all, and all manner of persons, that any ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a holy life the beauty.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... led to seek advice and assistance from a neighbouring minister, and from pious persons. ...
the Holy Scriptures were not rather a fable, and cunning story, than ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... a stately palace, beautiful to behold; at the sight of which Christian was greatly
delighted; he saw also, upon the top thereof, certain persons walking, who ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

A Few Sighs from Hell;
... This Scripture was not spoken by our Lord Jesus Christ to show you the state of
two single persons only, as some, through ignorance of the drift of Christ in ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm