TELL THAT FOX: JESUS’ BOLD REBUKE OF HEROD AND THE ECHOES OF EDOM. Explore The Cultural, Theological, And Prophetic Weight Of His Rebuke. Learn why Jesus called Herod a Fox.

What Did Jesus Mean by Calling Herod a “Fox”?

“Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course.’”
— Luke 13:32 (ESV)

In Luke 13:32, Jesus refers to Herod Antipas as a “fox”—a phrase rich with cultural, prophetic, and theological significance. This isn't just a quick insult; it's a direct challenge to Herod’s authority and a revelation of Jesus' divine mission. The moment becomes even more powerful when we understand how the term “fox” functioned in Jewish thought, the prophetic history of Edom, and the contrast between Jesus and Herod.

What Does a “Fox” Symbolize in Jewish Culture?

To understand why Jesus called Herod a fox, we need to dive into the Jewish symbolic world of the first century.

1. Cunning but Weak (Fox vs. Lion Symbolism)

In rabbinic literature, a fox is sly and cunning, but not majestic or strong. It's a symbol of deception without power.

• The lion represents a noble king (often the Messiah from the tribe of Judah).
• The fox is a schemer—shrewd, but ultimately irrelevant in the grand story.

Talmud, Sotah 13a: “Woe to the generation that is led by a fox instead of a lion.”

This phrase likely would have come to mind for Jesus' Jewish audience. It made a stark point: Herod may think he rules, but he’s no lion. He’s a fox.

2. Destructive Pretender

In the Bible, foxes are portrayed as pests, especially in vineyards, symbolizing hidden ruin.

• Song of Songs 2:15 warns against “little foxes that ruin the vineyards.”
• Foxes represent those who sabotage good things from the shadows.

By calling Herod a fox, Jesus paints him as someone who pretends to be great but whose power is destructive, self-serving, and deceptive.

Jesus’ Fearless and Strategic Response to Herod

The Pharisees warned Jesus that Herod wanted to kill Him, likely hoping to intimidate Him. But Jesus replies with stunning boldness:

“Tell that fox…”

This was more than courage—it was theological defiance:

• Jesus continues casting out demons and healing the sick.
• He speaks of completing His mission “on the third day”—a veiled reference to His resurrection and divine timetable.

Jesus was making it clear:
Herod is not in charge—God is.

This fulfills John 10:18, where Jesus says,

“No one takes my life from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.”

Lion of Judah vs. Fox of Edom: A Symbolic Showdown

Jesus the Lion of Judah

The Lion of Judah is a messianic title from Genesis 49:9–10, describing the tribe of Judah as royal and powerful. Jesus, as a descendant of David, fulfills this role.

Herod the Fox from Edom

In contrast, Herod is a fox from Edom—not a king, but a usurper with no divine claim to power.

Jesus	Herod Antipas
Lion of Judah (tribe of David)	Fox from Edom (descendant of Esau)
Healer and Savior	Schemer and persecutor
Fulfills prophecy	Opposes the covenant

This is more than political commentary—it's a spiritual confrontation.

Who Was Herod Antipas? Understanding His Edomite Roots

Herod Antipas was the son of Herod the Great, the ruler who tried to kill Jesus as a child (Matthew 2:16). Both were Edomites (Idumeans), not Israelites.

Herod’s Illegitimacy

• Descendant of Esau, not Jacob. 
• His family was forcibly converted to Judaism under John Hyrcanus. 
• He was appointed by Rome, not anointed by God. 
• Not of the Davidic line, making him ineligible to be king according to Messianic prophecy.

So when Jesus calls him a fox, He is denouncing his illegitimacy in both political and spiritual terms.

Edom in the Bible: Betrayers of the Covenant

The Edomites, descendants of Esau, were long-time enemies of Israel.

Biblical Betrayals by Edom:

• Genesis 25: Esau despises his birthright.
• Obadiah 1:11–14: Edom rejoices over Jerusalem’s destruction and aids Babylon.
• Psalm 137:7: Edom is remembered for shouting, “Tear it down!” during the fall of Jerusalem.
• Isaiah 34, Malachi 1:2–4: Edom is placed under divine judgment.

The Herodian dynasty, with its Edomite lineage, fits the biblical pattern of Edom opposing God’s promises.

1 Esdras 4:45 and the Burning of the Temple

A powerful piece of historical memory comes from 1 Esdras 4:45, where Edomites are accused of helping destroy the First Temple. Though not included in all canons, this verse supports the prophetic vision of Edom as traitors.

"You also vowed to rebuild the temple which the Edomites burned when Judah was devastated by the Chaldeans." — 1 Esdras 4:45

This aligns with Obadiah’s judgment, where Edom didn’t just stand by—they participated in Israel’s ruin.

Jesus’ Prophetic Timetable: "On the Third Day I Finish My Course"

When Jesus says, “Today and tomorrow I heal… on the third day I finish,” He speaks prophetically.

Messianic Implication:

• Alludes to Hosea 6:2: “On the third day He will raise us up.”
• Points to His resurrection, fulfilling His redemptive mission.
• Underscores that Herod cannot delay or derail the plan of God.

Jesus is declaring that no earthly power controls His destiny—not Rome, not the Pharisees, not Herod.

Why Did Jesus Call Herod a Fox? A Summary of Layers

Calling Herod a fox was:

• A cultural insult: Labeling him weak and cunning.
• A theological rebuke: Exposing him as a false, illegitimate ruler.
• A prophetic reference: Connecting Herod to Edom’s betrayal.
• A statement of sovereignty: Asserting Jesus' divine control of time and mission.

Herod Schemes in a Palace, Jesus Heals in the Streets

Herod Antipas, like his father, represented Edom’s ongoing opposition to the covenant of God. He wore a crown given by Caesar—but held no real power over the Messiah.

Jesus, walking the streets, healing the broken, and fulfilling prophecy, was the true King—the Lion of Judah, unthreatened by the schemes of a fox.

“Tell that fox…”
In just three words, Jesus rejected worldly fear, exposed spiritual fraud, and declared that God’s kingdom advances on His terms—not man’s.