The term "ibex" or "wild goat" refers to a species of mountain-dwelling goat known for its agility and ability to navigate rocky terrains. In the context of the Bible, these animals are often associated with the rugged landscapes of the ancient Near East, particularly in the regions of Israel and surrounding territories.

Biblical References:

1. Deuteronomy 14:5 · The wild goat is listed among the clean animals that the Israelites were permitted to eat. The verse states: "the deer, the gazelle, the roe deer, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope, and the mountain sheep."

2. 1 Samuel 24:2 · The wilderness of En Gedi, a region known for its rugged cliffs and caves, is described as a habitat for wild goats. This is where David hid from King Saul: "So Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and went to seek David and his men in front of the Rocks of the Wild Goats."

3. Job 39:1-4 · The book of Job highlights the wild goat as an example of God's creation, emphasizing the animal's independence and the mystery of its birthing process: "Do you know when the mountain goats give birth? Have you watched the doe bear her fawn? Can you count the months they are pregnant? Do you know the time they give birth? They crouch down and bring forth their young; they deliver their newborn."

Symbolism and Significance:

In biblical literature, the wild goat is often symbolic of freedom and resilience. Its ability to thrive in harsh, mountainous environments serves as a metaphor for strength and perseverance. The wild goat's presence in the wilderness also underscores themes of solitude and refuge, as seen in the narrative of David's flight from Saul.

Cultural and Historical Context:

The wild goat, or ibex, was a familiar sight in the ancient Near East, particularly in the Judean wilderness and the mountainous regions of Israel. These animals were not only a source of food but also held cultural significance. Their horns were sometimes used for making shofars, a type of trumpet used in religious ceremonies.

Natural Habitat:

The ibex is well-adapted to life in rocky and arid environments. Its hooves are specially designed to grip the steep and uneven surfaces of cliffs and mountains, allowing it to escape predators and find food in places inaccessible to other animals. This adaptability is reflected in the biblical portrayal of the wild goat as a creature of the high places.

Conclusion:

The wild goat, or ibex, is a testament to the diversity and wonder of God's creation, as depicted in the Bible. Its presence in scripture serves as a reminder of the Creator's provision and the intricate balance of nature.Ibex or Wild Goat

The Ibex is a kind of goat, but different from the one described earlier. It is sometimes called the Rock Goat, or Wild Goat; and the last is the name given it in the Bible. It resembles the common goat, but is larger, and its horns are much longer; they are sometimes considerably more than a yard in length, beautifully curved, and surrounded by many curious rings or ridges.

It lives in places where you would think no animal could get without falling and breaking its neck; you would be frightened to see it sometimes, when it climbs up rough and narrow places, or jumps from one great rock to another. But God has given it just such a kind of foot as it needs; it has a small hoof, something like those of a sheep, excepting that it is hollow underneath, and has a sort of ridge around it by which the animal can cling to the rock, and so keep from slipping. I never heard of such a thing as one of them sliding off the rocks, unless it was pursued by the hunters. Two goats once met on a high narrow path, where there was just room for one to walk. There was a high rock rising close to their shoulders on one side, and on the other was a place so steep that it would have made you dizzy to look down. They could not go back without danger of falling, and they could not pass each other; what do you think they could do, but stay there and starve? It seemed for a little while as if they were considering about it; at last one bent his knees and laid down, and the other walked safely over his back.

The ibex feeds during the night in the highest woods that grow on the mountains; but as soon as the sun rises it begins to climb, eating the grass or whatever it finds, till it has got up where it is too high for trees to grow. They go in small companies of eight or ten, and lie down in sunny places among the rocks while the sun is hot; but about three or four o'clock in the afternoon they begin to go down again towards the woods. They can climb up rather more easily than they can get down, because their fore legs are shorter than the others.

See how the ibex or wild goat is spoken of in the Bible. In Psalm 104you may find the words, "The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats;" and another place where the animal is mentioned is in 1 Samuel 24: "Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats." I should like to have you read with me the whole history of Saul and David in the Bible, so that we might talk about it, for it is very interesting; but now I can only write down what this one verse means. David had been made king over Israel by the command of God; but Saul, who was a very wicked man, was determined to kill him. So David was obliged to fly for his life, with only a few faithful friends; and month after month he hid himself in one place and another, so that Saul might not find him. At last he came to a wild, gloomy place, where nobody lived, near the Dead Sea: it was rocky, and there were many wild goats there. He thought he was safe now; but Saul heard where he was and came after him.

One night Saul and his men went into a large dark cave among the mountains, and behold David and his friends were already there; but they were hidden, so that Saul did not know it. David's men wanted very much to kill Saul, now that he was in their power, but David would not allow them. He only cut off a small piece from the robe that Saul wore, and he was sorry afterwards that he had done even as much as this he did not hurt Saul in the least, but allowed him to go safely out of the cave, though he might have killed him as easily as not. Was not this returning good for evil?

689. aqqo -- perhaps a wild goat
... 1). wild goat. Probably from 'anaq; slender, ie The ibex -- wild goat. see
HEBREW 'anaq. 688, 689. aqqo. 690 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/689.htm - 6k

3277. yael -- mountain goat
... Goats (1). wild goat. From ya'al; an ibex (as climbing) -- wild goat. see HEBREW
ya'al. 3276, 3277. yael. 3278 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/3277.htm - 6k

Lessons from Nature
... and special tree, for the stork; a high hill for the steinbock or ibex, and the ... come
to Christ and trust in him, though they are like the wild goat and love ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/lessons from nature.htm

The Exile --Continued.
... gone, and the precious streams nourish only a jungle haunted by leopard and ibex.
This is the fountain and plain of Engedi (the fount of the wild goat), a spot ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/vi the exilecontinued.htm

The Nile and Egypt
... aquatic plants, the papyrus and the lotus; the sycamore and the date-palm, the acacias,
the dom-palms"The fauna: the domestic and wild animals; serpents, the ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm

Ibex: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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