Coney

Narrator: Chris Genthree
 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 10
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Coney – En Gedi
One of the animals the Israelites were not to eat: it is described as chewing the cud, but not dividing the hoof. The rabbit, which is only another name for Coney, is not known in Palestine. The Hebrew word shaphan is supposed to signify the Syrian Hyrax, an animal about the size of the rabbit, but which does not really chew the cud. It has the habit of continually rubbing its teeth together when at rest, and thus has the appearance of chewing. It is an animal that forms a wholesome meal, and therefore one that would have needed to be specified under the Jewish ritual (Lev. 11:55And the coney, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you. (Leviticus 11:5); Deut. 14:77Nevertheless these ye shall not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the cloven hoof; as the camel, and the hare, and the coney: for they chew the cud, but divide not the hoof; therefore they are unclean unto you. (Deuteronomy 14:7)). It exactly answers to the other notices respecting the shaphan, such as living among the rocks, which it constantly does, and it is exceedingly quick in leaping from rock to rock (Psa. 104:1818The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; and the rocks for the conies. (Psalm 104:18)): it is also extremely difficult to catch; one of their number being on the watch while the others feed: at the approach of an enemy a signal is given, and all disappear. This agrees with its being called “exceeding wise” (Prov. 30:24, 2624There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise: (Proverbs 30:24)
26The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks; (Proverbs 30:26)). The Hyrax is classed among the pachydermatous animals.
Syrian Hyrax