Topical Bible: The Vine: Foxes Destructive To

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In biblical literature, the imagery of the vine is frequently used to symbolize Israel, the people of God, and their relationship with Him. The vine represents fruitfulness, blessing, and the covenantal relationship between God and His chosen people. However, this imagery also includes warnings about threats to the vine's health and productivity, one of which is the presence of foxes.

The reference to foxes as destructive to the vine is found in the Song of Solomon 2:15, which states: "Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom" . This verse highlights the potential harm that seemingly small and insignificant threats can pose to the flourishing of the vine. The "little foxes" are symbolic of minor sins, compromises, or external influences that, if left unchecked, can cause significant damage to the spiritual health and vitality of God's people.

In the context of the Song of Solomon, the vineyard is often interpreted as a metaphor for the love relationship between the bride and the bridegroom, which can also be seen as an allegory for the relationship between Christ and the Church. The call to "catch the foxes" serves as an admonition to be vigilant and proactive in addressing issues that could disrupt or damage this sacred relationship.

From a broader biblical perspective, the destructive nature of foxes can be understood as a warning against complacency and negligence in spiritual matters. Just as a vineyard requires careful tending and protection from pests, so too does the spiritual life require diligence and discernment to guard against influences that can lead to spiritual decay.

The imagery of foxes in the Bible is not limited to the Song of Solomon. In Ezekiel 13:4, false prophets are compared to "foxes among ruins" , suggesting their cunning and destructive influence within the community of God's people. This further underscores the need for vigilance against false teachings and deceptive practices that can undermine the integrity and faithfulness of the community.

In summary, the biblical motif of foxes as destructive to the vine serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of safeguarding one's spiritual life and community from seemingly minor threats that can lead to significant harm. It calls for an active and discerning approach to maintaining the purity and fruitfulness of one's relationship with God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Songs 2:15
Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Little Foxes
... toys. It is one of the most destructive little foxes there is, for it kills
the best vine of all that Christ planted: that is, love. ...
/.../chidley/fifty-two story talks to boys and girls/little foxes.htm

Doctrinal and Moral Treatises. Index of Subjects.
... heaven, [817]256; redeemed by blood, [818]257; history of, in four stages,
[819]275; in its likeness to a Vine, [820]309 ... Critics, destructive, [997]448 ... Foxes, ...
/.../on care to be had for the dead /doctrinal and moral treatises index.htm

The Prophet Joel.
... Jehoram, had but lately ventured upon destructive plundering expeditions as ... her fruit,
the fig-tree and vine do yield ... gather up, and that, eg, foxes eat grapes ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet joel.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... of the nature and actions of bloody and deceitful men: Hence persecutors are called
bulls, bears, lions, wolves, tigers, dragons, dogs, foxes, leopards, and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm