The rockbadger, also known as the hyrax or coney, is a small, herbivorous mammal mentioned in the Bible. It is noted for its unique characteristics and its place in the dietary laws given to the Israelites. The rockbadger is referenced in several passages, primarily in the context of clean and unclean animals.

Biblical References:

1. Leviticus 11:5 : "The rock badger, though it chews the cud, does not have a split hoof; it is unclean for you." This verse is part of the dietary laws outlined in Leviticus, where God instructs the Israelites on which animals are permissible to eat. The rockbadger is classified as unclean because, although it chews the cud, it does not have a split hoof, which is a requirement for land animals to be considered clean.

2. Deuteronomy 14:7 : "But of those that chew the cud or have split hooves, you are not to eat the following: the camel, the rabbit, or the rock badger." This passage reiterates the dietary restrictions found in Leviticus, emphasizing the rockbadger's status as an unclean animal.

3. Psalm 104:18 : "The high mountains are for the wild goats, the cliffs a refuge for the rock badgers." Here, the rockbadger is depicted as a creature that finds its home in the rocky cliffs and high places, highlighting its natural habitat and behavior. This verse is part of a psalm that praises God's creation and the provision He has made for all creatures.

Characteristics and Habitat:

The rockbadger, or hyrax, is a small, furry mammal that resembles a rodent but is more closely related to elephants and manatees. It is native to Africa and the Middle East, including the regions surrounding ancient Israel. Rockbadgers are known for their ability to thrive in rocky terrains and mountainous areas, where they find shelter and protection from predators.

Despite their small size, rockbadgers are social animals, often living in colonies. They are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day, and they feed primarily on vegetation. Their ability to chew the cud, a process of re-chewing partially digested food, is mentioned in the Bible, although it is not true cud-chewing like that of ruminants.

Symbolism and Significance:

In the biblical context, the rockbadger serves as an example of God's intricate design in creation, as well as a reminder of the specific laws given to the Israelites. The classification of the rockbadger as unclean underscores the importance of obedience to God's commandments and the distinction between the holy and the common.

The mention of the rockbadger in Psalms as finding refuge in the cliffs can also be seen as a metaphor for seeking safety and security in God, who is often referred to as a rock or fortress in the Scriptures. This imagery reinforces the theme of God's protection and provision for His creation.ROCK-BADGER

r.-baj'-er: This term is found in the Revised Version margin for "coney," shaphan (Leviticus 11:5; compare Deuteronomy 14:7 Psalm 104:18 Proverbs 30:26). It is a translation of klip das, the name given. by the Boers to the Cape hyrax or coney.

See CONEY.

Rockbadger

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Rock-badger (2 Occurrences)
Rock-badger. Rockbadger, Rock-badger. Rock-badgers . Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia ... (See JPS DBY). Rockbadger, Rock-badger. Rock-badgers . Reference
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Shaphan (26 Occurrences)
... sha'-fan (shaphan, "rockbadger," English Versions of the Bible "coney"; Saphphan):
An old totem clan name (so WR Smith; compare, however, the article TOTEMISM ...
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Rock (176 Occurrences)

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