Song Of Solomon 2:15

Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines [have] tender grapes.

Take {H270} us the foxes {H7776}, the little {H6996} foxes {H7776}, that spoil {H2254} the vines {H3754}: for our vines {H3754} have tender grapes {H5563}.

[She] "Catch the foxes for us, yes, the little foxes! They are ruining the vineyards when our vineyards are in bloom!"

Catch for us the foxes— the little foxes that ruin the vineyards— for our vineyards are in bloom.

Take us the foxes, the little foxes, That spoil the vineyards; For our vineyards are in blossom.

Song of Solomon 2:15 (KJV) presents a vivid, metaphorical image within the poetic dialogue of the Beloved and the Shulamite, urging vigilance against seemingly minor threats.

Context

This verse appears in a section of the Song of Solomon that celebrates the beauty of spring and the blossoming of love. The setting is idyllic, often interpreted as a garden or vineyard, symbolizing the flourishing relationship between the lovers. The call to "take us the foxes" is an interjection, a sudden recognition of potential dangers amidst the joy and beauty. The book itself is a rich tapestry of human love, frequently interpreted allegorically as the love between Christ and His Church, or God and Israel, highlighting themes of intimacy, devotion, and purity within a covenant relationship.

Key Themes

  • The "Little Foxes": Minor Threats with Major Impact
    The "foxes" (Hebrew: shu'alim) refer to small, destructive animals, often jackals, known for raiding vineyards. The emphasis on "little foxes" is crucial: it’s not the obvious, large predators, but the seemingly insignificant problems or habits that can, over time, cause significant damage. These can represent minor temptations, unresolved conflicts, unkind words, spiritual complacency, or subtle compromises that erode trust or faith.
  • The "Tender Grapes": Vulnerability and Promise
    The phrase "our vines have tender grapes" speaks to a stage of delicate growth and development. The grapes are not yet mature; they are vulnerable and easily spoiled. This imagery represents anything precious and in its formative stage: a new relationship, a blossoming faith, a spiritual calling, a young church, or even a nascent revival. It emphasizes that what is valuable often requires careful nurturing and protection.
  • The Call for Vigilance and Action
    The imperative "Take us the foxes" is a plea for proactive intervention. It’s a recognition that potential harm must be addressed swiftly and decisively, before it can mature and cause irreparable damage. This highlights the importance of spiritual discernment and actively guarding what is precious, rather than waiting for problems to become overwhelming. Proverbs 4:23 similarly advises to "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "foxes," shu'alim (שׁוּעָלִים), can refer to both foxes and jackals, both known for their cunning and destructive habits in agricultural settings. The word for "tender grapes," s'madar (סְמָדַר), specifically denotes the blossoms of the vine that have just set fruit, indicating a very early and vulnerable stage of development before the grapes fully form. This precision underscores the delicacy of the situation and the potential for complete ruin if the "little foxes" are not removed.

Spiritual and Practical Application

This verse offers profound insights for various aspects of life:

  • In Relationships: It serves as a powerful reminder for couples to address small annoyances, misunderstandings, or unresolved issues before they fester and undermine the foundation of their love. Neglecting "little foxes" like lack of communication, unexpressed resentments, or minor betrayals can lead to significant relational decay.
  • In Personal Faith: Spiritually, the "little foxes" can be small sins, compromises, doubts, or distractions that chip away at one's devotion and spiritual vitality. A consistent neglect of Bible study, prayer, or fellowship might seem minor but can gradually spoil one's "vine" of faith. It calls for constant self-examination and repentance.
  • In the Church: For the community of believers, the "vine" can represent the church itself or its mission. "Little foxes" might be internal divisions, gossip, apathy, or doctrinal drift that, if unchecked, can hinder its growth and effectiveness in bearing spiritual fruit. The collective responsibility is to identify and address these issues to protect the spiritual health of the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:10 speaks to the importance of unity and avoiding divisions.

Reflection

Song of Solomon 2:15 is a timeless admonition to recognize and deal with seemingly small problems that, if left unattended, can devastate what is precious and promising. It calls for diligence, discernment, and proactive protection of our most valuable relationships, our spiritual walk, and the health of our communities, ensuring that the "tender grapes" of our lives can mature and bear abundant fruit.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Luke 13:32

    And he said unto them, Go ye, 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.

  • 2 Peter 2:1

    ¶ But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

  • 2 Peter 2:3

    ¶ And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

  • Song Of Solomon 7:12

    Let us get up early to the vineyards; let us see if the vine flourish, [whether] the tender grape appear, [and] the pomegranates bud forth: there will I give thee my loves.

  • Revelation 2:2

    I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

  • Ezekiel 13:4

    O Israel, thy prophets are like the foxes in the deserts.

  • Ezekiel 13:16

    [To wit], the prophets of Israel which prophesy concerning Jerusalem, and which see visions of peace for her, and [there is] no peace, saith the Lord GOD.

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