Song of Solomon 2:15

15. Transition to the vineyard, often formed in "stairs" ( :-), or terraces, in which, amidst the vine leaves, foxes hid.

foxes—generic term, including jackals. They eat only grapes, not the vine flowers; but they need to be driven out in time before the grape is ripe. She had failed in watchfulness before ( :-); now when converted, she is the more jealous of subtle sins (Psalms 139:23). In spiritual winter certain evils are frozen up, as well as good; in the spring of revivals these start up unperceived, crafty, false teachers, spiritual pride, uncharitableness, c. (Psalms 19:12 Matthew 13:26; Luke 8:14; 2 Timothy 2:17; Hebrews 12:15). "Little" sins are parents of the greatest (Ecclesiastes 10:1; 1 Corinthians 5:6). Historically, John the Baptist spared not the fox-like Herod (1 Corinthians 5:6- :), who gave vine-like promise of fruit at first (1 Corinthians 5:6- :), at the cost of his life; nor the viper-Sadducees, c. nor the varied subtle forms of sin (1 Corinthians 5:6- :).