Who was Jesus referring to when he said "go and tell that fox"?

In Luke 13:31-32, when Jesus refers to Herod as a "fox," it's a rich metaphor that conjures up various ideas about cunning, power, and threats. The fox was regarded as a sly animal, often characterized by its wisdom in ways that sometimes lean towards deceit. Here, Jesus isn’t just discarding Herod – he’s conveying a deeper message about the political climate of his time. Unlike foxes that may seem clever yet cause little harm, Herod's tyranny and character were nothing to be admired.

Interestingly, Herod Antipas held a complicated reputation in Judea, famous for his role in the execution of John the Baptist and notorious for his fears and intrigues. His strategic prowess helped maintain his rule, but Jesus' use of the term “fox” could imply that while Herod thought himself clever, he could never outmaneuver divine purpose.

Did you know that throughout history, the term “fox" has been used to describe political figures that pose a challenge to righteousness or truth? This echoes Proverbs 30:28, where “the lizard can be caught with the hands, yet it is found in king’s palaces.” It’s a reminder that sometimes those in power appear unsettlingly very small and ineffective against the larger, majestic purposes of truth. So, when Jesus tells his followers to relay his message to Herod, it reflects confidence, underscoring that he will continue his mission despite threats or hostility.