Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
Male of the red deer
(Deut. 12:15; 14:5; 1 Kings 4:23; Song of Sol. 2:9).
Concise Bible Dictionary:
Cervus Elaphus
A species of deer which is not now definitely known. Many suppose it to be the red deer, the Cervus elaphus. It was a clean animal, and was one supplied to Solomon’s table (Deut. 12:15,22; 1 Kings 4:23). Its desire for the water-brooks is used as a symbol of a soul’s panting after God (Psa. 42:1). The bride in the Song of Solomon compares the bridegroom to a young hart (Song of Sol. 2:9,17; Song of Sol. 8:14). In predicting God’s blessing upon Israel in a future day it is said, “the lame man shall leap as a hart” (Isa. 35:6). The deer are remarkable for their pleasing form, their graceful movements, and their great agility.