LITTLE FOXES

In the Song of Solomon we read a powerful love story with some simple and powerful wisdom. In the second chapter the love language is concerning the deep desire and expectancy of the two lovers:
The woman speaks: “I am a rose in the Plain of Sharon, a lily in the valleys.”
The man speaks: “Among the young women, my darling is like a lily among thorns!”
The woman answers: “Among the young men, my lover is like an apple tree in the woods! I enjoy sitting in his shadow; his fruit is sweet to my taste. He brought me to the banquet room, and his banner over me is love.” (2:1-4) This proceeds in this tone through verse 14 and then there is a wise warning:

“Catch the foxes for us… the little foxes that ruin the vineyards while they are in blossom.” (2:15)

The foxes and the vineyard and bloom are metaphors. The relationship is ‘the vineyard’ and it is ‘in bloom.’ It is going along nicely and developing into a desired union. The foxes are potential problems to the vineyard and clearly it mentions ‘little foxes’ that can ‘ruin the vineyard.’ It’s the little things that can ruin the big things. Not only in the courting season as mentioned here, but for the remaining long-term association of the lovers. The lovers are addressing potential ‘little things’ that might damage and bring threats to their love affair.

“Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that spoil the vines.” It is the small things, the little overlooked and simple things… petty egos and silly arguments, unforgiving attitudes and stubborn self-pleasing pride in little doses that can spoil a whole relationship. Catch the little foxes.

“Forgive us for our sins, because we forgive everyone who has done wrong to us. And do not cause us to be tempted.” Jesus