The Lord compared these false prophets to foxes or jackals (Heb. shu"alim) that prowled around among ruins looking for holes in which to hide (cf. Nehemiah 4:3; Lamentations 5:18). The same Hebrew word refers to both animals. They had not tried to repair conditions that had resulted in Israel"s weakness and vulnerability nor had they strengthened the nation spiritually (cf. Ezekiel 22:30). Building the wall around the house of Israel so it could stand in the battle of the day of the Lord refers to preparing the people for the invasion and siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar. The only concern of foxes and these prophets was their own welfare and self-interests. They contributed nothing to the welfare of other needy people. [source][source][source]