Living in the hot, dry regions of southern Africa, gemsboks are considered by many to be the prettiest members of the oryx family. They are about the size of a donkey and are related to antelopes. They have a velvety-gray body, narrow black and white face, complemented by black and white legs and a long bushy tail. Between their large black and white ears is a pair of nearly straight, sharply pointed horns. These grow to four feet long and extend backward. They provide a weapon any animal would be foolish to challenge. Gemsboks have been known to kill lions with these sharp horns.
Because of their heavy bodies, gemsboks are not particularly fast runners. They are an example of the Creator’s wisdom when He placed them in hot, dry areas, for they can go a long time without water. They live in bands of up to 20 animals and roam the dry, grassy plains and areas of low vegetation.
Although related to the gemsbok and living in the same area, the springbok is a sharp contrast. It is slender and graceful and a little shorter than its relative, but without the long bushy tail. Its golden-brown hair has a snow-white stripe down the back, as well as a white face, white on the stomach and the inside of its legs.
While groups of gemsboks are relatively small, the springboks are found in big groups by themselves, migrating in great numbers to the oceanside when it gets too hot and dry. At times the whole herd runs swiftly over the open plains for no apparent reason. Because they repeatedly spring from eight to ten feet into the air when frightened and then race off at high speed, they are called springers by some.
There are many varieties of horns among them. Some rise higher than others before extending backward, while others look more like prongs, just rising a short way and then curling forward.
We can often see in the variety of things the Lord God created, as well as in the Bible, that the Creator took much pleasure in variety. More importantly, we learn also the promise to all who know the Lord Jesus as their Saviour, that when called into heaven we will find “in [His] presence is fulness of joy; at [His] right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalm 16:1111Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. (Psalm 16:11).
Will you be among that happy number in heaven?
JUNE 12, 1994
ML-06/12/1994