Roebucks, a term found in the Bible, refers to a type of deer known for its grace and swiftness. In the context of the Scriptures, roebucks are often mentioned in relation to their natural habitat and characteristics, symbolizing beauty and agility. The Hebrew word often translated as "roebuck" is "yachmur," which is believed to refer to a species of deer native to the region of the ancient Near East.

Biblical References:

1. Deuteronomy 12:15 : "But whenever you want, you may slaughter and eat meat within any of your gates, according to the blessing the LORD your God has given you. Both the ceremonially unclean and the clean may eat it, as they would a gazelle or deer." Here, the roebuck is mentioned alongside the gazelle, indicating its status as a clean animal that could be consumed by the Israelites. This passage highlights the provision of God, allowing His people to enjoy the fruits of the land He has given them.

2. Deuteronomy 14:5 : "the deer, the gazelle, the roe deer, the wild goat, the ibex, the antelope, and the mountain sheep." In this list of clean animals, the roebuck is included, emphasizing its acceptability for consumption under the dietary laws given to Israel. The inclusion of the roebuck in this list underscores its common presence and significance in the diet and culture of the Israelites.

3. 1 Kings 4:23 : "ten head of stall-fed cattle, twenty of pasture-fed cattle, and a hundred sheep, besides deer, gazelles, roebucks, and fattened fowl." This verse describes the daily provisions for King Solomon's household, illustrating the abundance and variety of food available. The mention of roebucks among the provisions signifies their value and desirability as a source of meat.

Symbolism and Cultural Significance:

In biblical times, the roebuck was not only valued for its meat but also admired for its elegance and speed. These attributes made it a fitting symbol of beauty and swiftness, often used in poetic and metaphorical language within the Scriptures. The roebuck's ability to navigate the rugged terrain of its habitat with ease and grace is reflective of the qualities admired by the biblical authors.

The presence of roebucks in the biblical narrative also serves to highlight the richness of the Promised Land, a place flowing with milk and honey, where God's people could thrive and enjoy the abundance of His creation. The roebuck, as part of this abundance, represents the blessings and provision of God for His chosen people.

Conservation and Modern Understanding:

Today, the term "roebuck" is often associated with the European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), though the exact species referred to in the Bible may differ. Modern conservation efforts aim to preserve the habitats and populations of deer species worldwide, recognizing their ecological importance and the role they play in biodiversity.

In summary, the roebuck in the Bible is a testament to God's provision and the beauty of His creation, serving as a symbol of the blessings bestowed upon His people. Its inclusion in the dietary laws and royal provisions underscores its significance in the cultural and religious life of ancient Israel.3180. yachmur -- a roebuck
... Definition: roebuck. Word Origin from chamar Definition a roebuck NASB Word
Usage roebuck (1), roebucks (1). fallow deer. From chamar ...
/hebrew/3180.htm - 6k

Sleep Not
... Quaint old Quarles long ago likened us to roebucks as to earth, and snails as to
hearer; and then he oddly enough rebuked this fault in rugged verse:". ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/sleep not.htm

Roebucks (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Roebucks (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings 4:23 ten head
of fat cattle, and twenty head of cattle out of the pastures ...
/r/roebucks.htm - 6k

Fallowdeer (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Deuteronomy 14:5 (RV, "Wild goat"); 1 Kings
4:23 (RV, "roebucks"). This animal, called in Hebrew yahmur ...
/f/fallowdeer.htm - 7k

Roebuck (5 Occurrences)

/r/roebuck.htm - 9k

Roes (12 Occurrences)

/r/roes.htm - 9k

Gazelles (5 Occurrences)
... 4:23 ten head of fat cattle, and twenty head of cattle out of the pastures, and
one hundred sheep, besides harts, and gazelles, and roebucks, and fattened fowl ...
/g/gazelles.htm - 8k

Fattened (19 Occurrences)
... 4:23 ten head of fat cattle, and twenty head of cattle out of the pastures, and
one hundred sheep, besides harts, and gazelles, and roebucks, and fattened fowl ...
/f/fattened.htm - 12k

Fallow-deer (2 Occurrences)
Fallow-deer. Fallowdeer, Fallow-deer. Fallowground . Easton's Bible Dictionary
Deuteronomy 14:5 (RV, "Wild goat"); 1 Kings 4:23 (RV, "roebucks"). ...
/f/fallow-deer.htm - 7k

Fatted (17 Occurrences)
... (DBY). 1 Kings 4:23 Ten fat oxen, and twenty oxen out of the pastures, and an hundred
sheep, beside harts, and roebucks, and fallowdeer, and fatted fowl. ...
/f/fatted.htm - 12k

Roe (21 Occurrences)
... 4:23 ten head of fat cattle, and twenty head of cattle out of the pastures, and
one hundred sheep, besides harts, and gazelles, and roebucks, and fattened fowl ...
/r/roe.htm - 15k

Pastures (25 Occurrences)
... 4:23 ten head of fat cattle, and twenty head of cattle out of the pastures, and
one hundred sheep, besides harts, and gazelles, and roebucks, and fattened fowl ...
/p/pastures.htm - 14k

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