Luke 13:32

“And he said unto them, go ye and tell that fox, etc.] Herod, who it may be sent them, of which Christ was not ignorant, nor of his design in it; and who, as Nero, for his cruelty, is compared to a lion, so he for his subtlety in this instance, as well as in the whole of his conduct, to a fox; though some think Christ has a regard to the Pharisees, and their craftiness, in forming this story, pretending good will to him, by acquainting him of Herod's malicious designs, when their view was only to scare him out of their country; so the false prophets and teachers, are for their cunning, subtlety, and flattery, compared to foxes, (<220215>Song of Solomon 2:15, <261304> Ezekiel 13:4) as well as…”

“that fox--that crafty, cruel enemy of God's innocent servants. Behold, I cast out devils and I do cures--that is, "Plot on and ply thy wiles; I also have My plans; My works of mercy are nearing completion, but some yet remain; I have work for to-day and to-morrow too, and the third day; by that time I shall be where his jurisdiction reaches not; the guilt of My blood shall not lie at his door; that dark deed is reserved for others." He does not say, I preach the Gospel--that would have made little impression upon Herod--in the light of the merciful character of Christ's actions the malice of Herod's snares is laid bare [BENGEL]. to-day, to-morrow, the third day--remarkable language…”

“Tell that fox - A fox is an emblem of slyness, of cunning, and of artful mischief. The word is also used to denote a dissembler. Herod was a wicked man, but the “particular thing” to which Jesus here alludes is not his “vices,” but his “cunning, his artifice,” in endeavoring to remove him out of his territory. He had endeavored to do it by stratagem - by sending these people who pretended great friendship for his life. Behold, I cast out devils ... - Announce to him the fact that I am working miracles in his territory, and that I shall continue to do it. I am not afraid of his art or his enmity. I am engaged in my appropriate work, and shall continue to be as long as is proper, in spite of…”

“And he said, Go and tell that fox - With great propriety so called, for his subtilty and cowardice. The meaning of our Lord's answer is, Notwithstanding all that he can do, I shall for the short time I have left, do the works of him that sent me. When that time is fulfilled, I shall be offered up. Yet not here, but in the bloody city. Behold, I cast out devils - With what majesty does he speak to his enemies! With what tenderness to his friends! The third day I am perfected - On the third day he left Galilee, and set out for Jerusalem, to die there. But let us carefully distinguish between those things wherein Christ is our pattern, and those which were peculiar to his office. His…”

“13:32 Go tell that fox: Among first-century Jews, foxes were viewed as destructive and worthless pests. • casting out demons and healing people: Jesus’ exorcisms and healings were evidence that God’s Kingdom was present; his resurrection on the third day would vindicate him and prove that he inaugurated God’s Kingdom.”

“that fox: This was probably Herod Antipas, tetrarch of Galilee, who is described by Josephus as a crafty and incestuous prince, with which the character given him by our Lord, and the narratives of the evangelists, exactly coincide. Luk 3:19, Luk 3:20, Luk 9:7-9, Luk 23:8-11; Eze 13:4; Mic 3:1-3; Zep 3:3; Mar 6:26-28 I cast: Luk 9:7; Mar 6:14; Joh 10:32, Joh 11:8-10 I shall: Joh 17:4, Joh 17:5, Joh 19:30 \*Gr: Heb 2:10, Heb 5:9 Luke 13:33”