Every Friday I join a community of bloggers for Five Minute Friday. One word prompt, five minutes. Unedited. The prompt this week is … Spoil.
“Catch us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines, For our vines have tender grapes.”
(Song of Solomon 2:15, NKJV)
The verse quickly comes to mind upon seeing the word prompt.
The foxes in the vineyards would get in and feed off the grapes, thus ruining the harvest. The vineyard keepers would tie up the branches so the foxes could not reach them, as foxes are animals that feed on what is low to the ground.
In this allegory, the foxes represent threats to relationships. While Solomon was referring to marital relationships needing protection, there are surely other relationships in need of protection as well.
God warned of false prophets who spread lies in order to mislead others. The words spoken were for self-care purposes, and sparked fear among the people. The words were empty promises which appealed to the people but could not deliver.
“Thus says the Lord God: “Woe to the foolish prophets, who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing! O Israel, your prophets are like foxes in the deserts. You have not gone up into the gaps to build a wall for the house of Israel to stand in battle on the day of the Lord.” (Ezekiel 13:3-5, NKJV)
May we strengthen ourselves in God’s Word, knowing His promises and living in the assurance of Who He is. May we allow His Word to surround our thoughts and minds like a wall around a fortress.
Little foxes spoil the vines.
Best to fill in the gaps with Scripture,
and keep them from entering.
May we strengthen ourselves in God’s Word, knowing His promises and living in the assurance of Who He is. May we allow His Word to surround our thoughts and minds like a wall around a fortress. God is our Fortress. Thanks for the encouraging words.
The verse from Song of Solomon is interesting. I enjoyed your insights and this advice:
Little foxes spoil the vines.
Best to fill in the gaps with Scripture,
and keep them from entering.
I really enjoyed your post. You and I started with the same scripture but went in different directions. I love your explanation and insights. God bless.
I’m so thankful for the strength found in God’s Word.
Amen! Excellent thoughts. … Crazy how your name is so awesome – my Grandma Turany’s first name was Johanna, my Grandma Paulsen’s first name was Viola, I named my last child Katrina Johanna Viola Mendell. God has a way of blessing us everywhere! Blessings to you – FMF#3
So important to guard our hearts and minds and keep reminding ourselves of God’s truth!
I love this analogy Joanne!
Foxes are NOT native to Australia & are considered a pest here as they kill new born lambs on sheep farms, as well as our precious & unique native animals…
A wonderful post my friend.
Blessings, Jennifer
Loved “May we strengthen ourselves in God’s Word, knowing His promises and living in the assurance of Who He is.”
nice take on this prompt. FMF17
“Little foxes spoil the vines.
Best to fill in the gaps with Scripture,
and keep them from entering.”
I love this, Joanne!! We really do have to be intentional about this, eh?
Thanks for sharing.
Kath, your FMF neighbour at #21 this week.
I love your take on the prompt. It’s so true: We must guard our hearts. Your post was the most clicked for the Grace & Truth Christian Link-up in February. I will be featuring it on Friday on my website. Thank you for participating in our community. Maree