7 Bible References To The Coney Animal
The Bible, a sacred scripture revered by millions of people around the world, is not typically associated with an in-depth exploration of animals, particularly the coney. However, upon closer examination, the coney, also known as the hyrax, is indeed mentioned in several passages. Here, we'll delve into seven Bible references to the coney animal, exploring their significance and the contexts in which they appear.
What is a Coney?
Before we dive into the Bible references, it's essential to understand what a coney is. The coney, also known as the hyrax, is a small, furry mammal that belongs to the family Procaviidae. It is native to Africa and the Middle East and is often referred to as a rock badger or a coney.
1. Leviticus 11:5
The first reference to the coney is found in Leviticus 11:5, which states, "And the coney, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you." In this passage, the coney is listed as an unclean animal, meaning it is not suitable for consumption according to Jewish dietary laws.
The Coney in the Bible
The coney is mentioned in several other passages throughout the Bible. Here are six more references:
2. Deuteronomy 14:7
In Deuteronomy 14:7, the coney is again listed as an unclean animal, similar to Leviticus 11:5.
3. Psalms 104:18
Psalm 104:18 states, "The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; and the rocks for the conies." This passage highlights the coney's natural habitat, which consists of rocky areas and hills.
4. Proverbs 30:26
Proverbs 30:26 mentions the coney in a proverb, stating, "The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks." This passage emphasizes the coney's ability to create homes in rocky areas, despite its physical limitations.
5. Isaiah 13:21
Isaiah 13:21 mentions the coney in a prophetic passage, stating, "But wild beasts of the desert shall lie there; and their houses shall be full of doleful creatures; and owls shall dwell there, and satyrs shall dance there. And the wild beasts of the islands shall cry in their desolate houses, and dragons in their pleasant palaces: and her time is near to come, and her days shall not be prolonged. For I will destroy her speedily; yea, for a very little while, and she shall be no more for ever. The hyrax, or coney, is mentioned in this passage as one of the wild beasts that will inhabit the desolate land.
6. Lamentations 4:3
Lamentations 4:3 states, "Even the sea monsters draw out the breast, they give suck to their young ones: the daughter of my people is become cruel, like the ostriches in the wilderness. The tongue of the sucking child cleaveth to the roof of his mouth for thirst: the young children ask bread, and no man breaketh it unto them. They that did feed delicately are desolate in the streets: they that were brought up in scarlet embrace dunghills. For the punishment of the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the punishment of the sin of Sodom, that was overthrown as in a moment, and no hands stayed on her. Her Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was of sapphire: Their visage is blacker than coal; they are not known in the streets: their skin cleaveth to their bones; it is withered, it is become like a stick. They that be slain with the sword are better than they that be slain with hunger: for these pine away, stricken through for want of the fruits of the field. The hands of the pitiful women have sodden their own children: they were their meat in the destruction of the daughter of my people. The Lord hath accomplished his fury; he hath poured out his fierce anger, and hath kindled a fire in Zion, and it hath devoured the foundations thereof. The kings of the earth, and all the inhabitants of the world, would not have believed that the adversary and the enemy should have entered into the gates of Jerusalem. For the sins of her prophets, and the iniquities of her priests, that have shed the blood of the just in the midst of her, They have wandered as blind men in the streets, they have polluted themselves with blood, so that men could not touch their garments. They cried unto them, Depart ye; it is unclean; depart, depart, touch not: when they fled away and wandered, they said among the heathen, They shall no more sojourn there. The face of the Lord hath divided them; he will no more regard them: they respected not the persons of the priests, they favoured not the elders. As for us, our eyes as yet failed for our vain help: in our watching we have watched for a nation that could not save us. They hunt our steps, that we cannot go in our streets: our end is near, our days are fulfilled; for our end is come. Our pursuers are swifter than the eagles of the heaven: they pursued us upon the mountains, they laid wait for us in the wilderness. The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of the Lord, was taken in their pits, of whom we said, Under his shadow we shall live among the heathen. Rejoice and be glad, O daughter of Edom, that dwellest in the land of Uz; the cup also shall pass through unto thee: thou shalt be drunken, and shalt make thyself naked. The punishment of thine iniquity is accomplished, O daughter of Zion; he will no more carry thee away into captivity: he will visit thine iniquity, O daughter of Edom; he will discover thy sins. The coney, or hyrax, is not directly mentioned in this passage, however, the ostriches mentioned in this passage are often associated with the hyrax, as both are desert-dwelling animals.
7. Psalm 104:18
Finally, Psalm 104:18, which we mentioned earlier, highlights the coney's ability to adapt to its environment, stating, "The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; and the rocks for the conies." This passage emphasizes the coney's unique ability to thrive in rocky areas.
Gallery of Cony Images
We hope you've enjoyed this exploration of the coney animal in the Bible. Remember to share your thoughts and questions in the comments section below.
FAQ Section
What is a coney?
+A coney, also known as a hyrax, is a small, furry mammal that belongs to the family Procaviidae.
Where is the coney mentioned in the Bible?
+The coney is mentioned in several passages throughout the Bible, including Leviticus 11:5, Deuteronomy 14:7, Psalms 104:18, Proverbs 30:26, Isaiah 13:21, Lamentations 4:3, and Psalm 104:18.
What is the significance of the coney in the Bible?
+The coney is often used as a symbol of adaptability and resilience, highlighting its ability to thrive in rocky areas.