Know what a hyrax is? Me either—at least, I had no idea until I decided to find out why they made Solomon’s top four in describing small yet wise critters. I’m loving not only what I’m learning about them, but also why they are used as an example for us. “A hyrax is a small, furry mammal from Africa and the Middle East, often mistaken for a rodent or rabbit, but it is actually most closely related to elephants and manatees. These social, herbivorous animals are known for their excellent climbing ability on rocky terrain, thanks to specialized, rubbery foot pads, and they communicate with chirps and whistles. They have short tails, stout bodies, and unique features like tusk-like incisors and a dorsal scent gland.” (AI resource) What a weird but unique—and I’d even say entertaining—animal. Elephant and manatee family would never have made my guesses. Here is a bit of a stretch, but a good challenge for me. I’ve read this verse over a hundred times without bothering to learn about them. I assumed things to describe why it was in this verse. I think I do that a lot in my reading of the Bible. I assume meanings from casual context. I don’t think I’m always correct, I’m sure I’m not. Sadly I probably talk about particular verses as though I know definitively what they mean. This is a good caution for me. It also shows that there are some great insights and fun truths waiting to be discovered with a little effort to dig. Today, dig in and find new truth—and enjoy the hyrax…and its relative, the dugong. #BeTheEdge
“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll.” Revelation 22:18 NIV
