Topical Bible: The Fox: Dwells in Holes

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In the Bible, the fox is often used symbolically to represent cunning, craftiness, and desolation. The fox's behavior and habitat provide rich imagery for biblical writers, who draw on its characteristics to convey spiritual truths and moral lessons.

Biblical References:

1. Habitat and Behavior:
The fox is known for dwelling in holes, a behavior that is highlighted in the New Testament. In Matthew 8:20, Jesus uses the fox's dwelling habits to illustrate the cost of discipleship: "Jesus replied, 'Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.'" . Here, the fox's secure and hidden dwelling contrasts with the itinerant and sacrificial life of Jesus, emphasizing the transient and often uncomfortable nature of following Him.

2. Symbol of Cunning and Destruction:
In the Old Testament, the fox is often associated with cunning and destruction. In the Song of Solomon 2:15, the foxes are described as small but destructive creatures: "Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom." . This passage uses the fox as a metaphor for small, seemingly insignificant problems or sins that can cause significant damage if left unchecked.

3. Herod as a Fox:
In Luke 13:32, Jesus refers to Herod Antipas as a fox: "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 characterization underscores Herod's cunning and deceitful nature, as well as his opposition to Jesus' mission. The use of "fox" here highlights the contrast between Herod's earthly power and Jesus' divine authority.

4. Symbol of Desolation:
The fox is also a symbol of desolation and ruin. In Lamentations 5:18, the desolation of Zion is depicted with the presence of foxes: "because of Mount Zion, which lies desolate, with foxes prowling in it." . The presence of foxes in a once-thriving city underscores the extent of its devastation and abandonment.

Cultural and Theological Significance:

In biblical times, the fox was a common animal in the Middle East, known for its adaptability and survival instincts. Its ability to live in various environments, including deserts and ruins, made it a fitting symbol for desolation and cunning. Theologically, the fox serves as a reminder of the subtle and often hidden nature of sin and the importance of vigilance in spiritual life. The imagery of the fox dwelling in holes also serves as a powerful metaphor for the security and comfort that worldly attachments can falsely promise, in contrast to the true security found in a life dedicated to Christ.

The fox's portrayal in Scripture invites believers to reflect on the nature of their own spiritual journey, encouraging them to remain steadfast in faith and wary of the "little foxes" that can disrupt their relationship with God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Two Guards, Praying and Watching
... himself, and we have his Holy Spirit, who dwells in us ... is very morose at home, critical,
picking holes in other ... said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/the two guards praying and.htm

Daily Bread
... If there dwells in us the spirit of life we ... He explores woodchuck holes; he tracks
real or imaginary squirrels ... As Fox said the greatest pleasure in life was to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/merriam/the chief end of man/v daily bread.htm

Some Gospel Truths Opened, According to the Scriptures; Or, the ...
... 1. George Fox's Journal, folio, p.144. ... as Man, and yet dwelleth within them, that
is, something of his divine nature or his blessed Spirit dwells within them ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/some gospel truths opened according.htm

I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also-
... near to God, is entertained with great delight, and, as it were, dwells with his ...
O! the starting-holes that the heart hath in the time of prayer; none knows ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/i will pray with the.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their ...
all the things pertaining to the kingdom of the beast; for it dwells in the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .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

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... Why, in yonder village-the village is named Morality-there dwells a gentleman whose
name is Legality, a very judicious man, and a man of a very good name, that ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .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

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Hear, O ye kings, give ear, O ye princes; I, even I, will sing unto the Lord; I
will sing praise to the Lord, the God of Israel."* The poet then dwells on the ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... it; the beginning of that day was to him as if he was going to prison, except he
could get out from his father and mother, and lurk in by-holes among his ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm