“Behold now behemoth [large beast], which I made with thee; he eateth grass as an ox. . . . His bones are like bars of iron.” Job 40:15,18
There is no relationship between the water buffalo of Asia, India and Africa and the animals we often call buffalo in North America. The correct name for the North American buffalo is “bison.”
Wild water buffalo, which live in grassy jungles, swamps and marshes, are huge animals, much like the large beast described in the opening Bible verse. Fully grown water buffalo measure up to six feet high at their shoulders and weigh more than a ton. Because of their fierce natures, loud roars and great strength, only a well-armed hunter would want to get near them.
But the water buffalo, in which we are interested, have been tamed over many years— becoming somewhat smaller in the process—and are as gentle as a cow with people they know and serve. They seldom kick or attack people or other animals and are more useful and friendly than most bulls on North American farms. It is not uncommon to see children or grown persons riding or even sleeping on the bare back of a water buffalo, with only a rope or strap needed to guide them.
As a working animal, milk producer, source of meat and even as a human companion, this bulky animal is one of the most important domestic animals in the world. Their owners consider them a source of power, wealth and pride. In fact, this large beast, with its droopy neck and massive horns, has become so valuable that its reputation is spreading to more and more parts of the world, where people welcome them to replace hand and machine labor.
These animals, that do work no other animal could match, are a successful answer for many farmers who cannot afford a tractor or other machinery. Surefooted, their broad hoofs are well suited for moving through deep mud. As a result, they have become the principal means of plowing and preparing rice paddies in many areas which are covered with several inches of water and muddy soil underneath. Besides plowing, water buffalo transport heavy loads on sleds or carts and do a variety of other jobs on farms where their slow speed is plenty good enough.
Do you think animals of this kind are watched over by their Creator? They certainly are. There is not one part of God’s wonderful creation, large or small, that is not under His watchful care, as this Bible verse assures us: “Thou, even Thou, art Lord alone; Thou hast made . . . the earth, and all things that are therein” (Nehemiah 9:6).
Let us never forget another verse that tells us: “His eyes are upon the ways of man, and He [sees] all his goings” (Job 34:21). Does that make you uneasy? or does it make you glad?
(to be continued)
ML-07/09/2017