The Cony.
THIS little animal is something like a rabbit in size and color, though it is not one. It has fur and a tail also like a rabbit’s, but its head and ears are like a rat’s.
The Hebrew name for cony, means “a hider.”
There are some very interesting things to be observed in connection with it. A rabbit burrows, that is, digs a hole for itself in the ground, but the cozy hides in a hole already made in the rock. From Prov. 30:2424There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise: (Proverbs 30:24), we learn that it is one of the “four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise:” and vs. 26 tells us how they show their wisdom. “The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks.” Why are the conies “exceeding wise” in hiding in the rocks? Because they are “little upon the earth” and “a feeble folk.”
How glad I am that such poor, weak things have the strong rocks to dwell in. What would become of them if they had to remain out in the forest and meet the fierce lions?
How kind God is to take notice of such little things and make clefts in the rocks for them to hide in. For you see they could not cut out a house in the rocks for themselves.
Now, dear children, you, too, are “little” and “feeble”, like the cony. Are you also like it in being “wise?” Have you made the Rock your hiding-place? But do you ask, “What is the Rock?” Let God’s word answer: “I will publish the name of the Lord; ascribe ye greatness unto our God. He is the Rock.” Deut. 32:33Because I will publish the name of the Lord: ascribe ye greatness unto our God. (Deuteronomy 32:3). 4.
The Lord Jesus Christ is also spoken of as “the Rock” in Matt. 16:1818And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18). “Upon this Rock I will build My church;” and in 1 Cor. 10:44And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:4): “They drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.” He has said, “Suffer the little children to come unto Me,” and how thankful you should be, that there is such a strong Rock for a little, weak one like you to go to.
Some think they are very strong and wise, and try to find salvation by doing a great deal; they try to make a hiding-place for themselves, like the rabbit, rather than hide in the Rock.
One more scripture in regard to the cony. “The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats and the rocks for the conies.” Psa. 104:1818The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; and the rocks for the conies. (Psalm 104:18). A refuge is a place of safety from danger of whatever kind. What or who is our Refuge? Again let God’s word answer: “The Lord is my Rock.... and my Refuge.” 2 Sam. 22:2,32And he said, The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; 3The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence. (2 Samuel 22:2‑3). “God is our Refuge and Strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psa. 46:11<<To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth.>> God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1).
Just as the little, feeble cony may lie down in peace and safety in its home in the rock, so may you lie down in peace and sleep, if you have fled for refuge to the Lord Jesus and trusted in Him and His work on the cross for your salvation. May you, each one, be “wise” enough to find your home, your refuge, in the Rock, is the earnest prayer of your friend. E. G. B.
ML 07/30/1899