The ibex is a wild goat known for its impressive climbing abilities and long, curved horns. While the term "ibex" itself does not appear in the Bible, the animal is often associated with the "wild goats" mentioned in the Scriptures. These creatures are native to the mountainous regions of the Middle East, including the areas surrounding the biblical lands.

Biblical References:

The ibex is likely referenced in several passages where "wild goats" are mentioned. One such passage is found in the book of Job, where God speaks to Job about the wonders of His creation:

"Do you know when the mountain goats give birth? Have you watched the doe bear her fawn?" (Job 39:1).

In this context, the "mountain goats" are understood to be the ibex, which inhabit the rugged terrains and cliffs, demonstrating God's provision and care for all creatures, even those in the most inaccessible places.

Another reference is found in 1 Samuel, where David seeks refuge from King Saul:

"David went up from there and stayed in the strongholds of En Gedi" (1 Samuel 23:29).

En Gedi, a region known for its steep cliffs and rocky terrain, is a natural habitat for the ibex. The presence of these animals in such a location underscores the strategic advantage and natural protection the area provided to David.

Symbolism and Significance:

In biblical literature, the ibex, or wild goat, symbolizes agility, surefootedness, and the ability to thrive in harsh environments. These attributes are often seen as metaphors for spiritual resilience and the ability to navigate the challenges of life with God's guidance.

The ibex's ability to scale steep and treacherous cliffs can also be seen as a representation of faith and trust in God's provision, as believers are called to rely on Him in difficult circumstances. The animal's presence in the Bible serves as a reminder of God's intricate design and care for His creation, highlighting His sovereignty over all living things.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Israel, the ibex was a familiar sight in the wilderness and mountainous regions. Its presence in the biblical narrative reflects the natural history and geography of the land. The ibex's adaptation to its environment and its ability to find sustenance in seemingly barren places illustrate the themes of survival and divine providence that are prevalent throughout Scripture.

The ibex continues to be a symbol of the natural beauty and diversity of the Holy Land, and its enduring presence in the region serves as a testament to the unchanging nature of God's creation.(n.) One of several species of wild goats having very large, recurved horns, transversely ridged in front; -- called also steinbok.1788. dishon -- mountain goat (a cermonially clean animal)
... 1787, 1788. dishon. 1789 . mountain goat (a cermonially clean animal).
Transliteration: dishon Phonetic Spelling: (dee-shone') Short Definition: ibex. ...
/hebrew/1788.htm - 6k

3277. yael -- mountain goat
... Goats (1). wild goat. From ya'al; an ibex (as climbing) -- wild goat. see HEBREW
ya'al. 3276, 3277. yael. 3278 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/3277.htm - 6k

689. aqqo -- perhaps a wild goat
... 1). wild goat. Probably from 'anaq; slender, ie The ibex -- wild goat. see
HEBREW 'anaq. 688, 689. aqqo. 690 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/689.htm - 6k

"There was Also an Illustrious Name of Another Anchorite in those ...
... existence. Having thus fasted for seven days, he was almost at the point
of death when a wild animal called an Ibex came up to him. ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xvi there was also.htm

Over the Mountains. "My Beloved is Mine, and I am His: He Feedeth ...
... The roe and the young hart, or, as you may read it, the gazelle and the ibex, live
among the crags of the mountains, and leap across the abyss with amazing ...
/.../spurgeon/till he come/over the mountains my beloved is.htm

The Exile --Continued.
... sides. But the fertility of David's time is gone, and the precious streams
nourish only a jungle haunted by leopard and ibex. This ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/vi the exilecontinued.htm

Chapter xi
... names may not all refer properly to persons. "Terah" may mean a type of ibex,
a mountain goat. But, on the other hand, KC very correctly ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xi.htm

Lessons from Nature
... The tree for the bird; the fir tree, a particular and special tree, for the stork;
a high hill for the steinbock or ibex, and the rocks for the hyrax or rabbit ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/lessons from nature.htm

The Nile and Egypt
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 1. <. ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm

Ibex (1 Occurrence)
...Ibex (1 Occurrence). Deuteronomy 14:5 the hart, and the gazelle, and the roebuck,
and the wild goat, and the ibex, and the antelope, and the chamois. ...
/i/ibex.htm - 6k

Deer (15 Occurrences)
... Further, he believes that ya`el (including ya`alah) should be translated "ibex,"
and tsebhi, "gazelle." `Opher is the young of a roe deer or of a gazelle. ...
/d/deer.htm - 17k

Chamois (1 Occurrence)
... The better known is the ibex of the South, which may well be the ya`el (English
Versions, "wild goat"; Job 39:1 Psalm 104:18 1 Samuel 24:2), as well as the ...
/c/chamois.htm - 9k

Zoology
... Rhinoceros (b) Even-toed non-ruminants: Swine, Hippopotamus (Behemoth) (c) Ruminants:
(1) Bovidae, Domestic Cattle, Wild Ox or Unicorn, Sinaitic Ibex (sv GOAT ...
/z/zoology.htm - 18k

Roe (21 Occurrences)
... The Hebrew word (`ayyalah) in Proverbs 5:19 thus rendered (RV, "doe"), is
properly the "wild she-goat," the mountain goat, the ibex. ...
/r/roe.htm - 15k

Goat (92 Occurrences)
... 104:18). It is derived from a word meaning "to climb." It is the ibex,
which abounded in the mountainous parts of Moab. And 'akko ...
/g/goat.htm - 48k

Zoan (7 Occurrences)
... The famous picture of the Amu, who bring their families on donkeys to Egypt, and
offer the Sinaitic ibex as a present, is found at Beni Chasan in a tomb as old ...
/z/zoan.htm - 17k

Gazelle (12 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 14:5 the hart, and the gazelle, and the roebuck, and the wild
goat, and the ibex, and the antelope, and the chamois. ...
/g/gazelle.htm - 13k

Ibhar (3 Occurrences)

/i/ibhar.htm - 7k

Iadinus

/i/iadinus.htm - 6k

Ibex: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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