The sand-lizard, while not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, is a creature that can be associated with the broader category of reptiles and creeping things referenced in Scripture. In the ancient Near Eastern context, lizards were common in the arid and semi-arid regions, including the lands of Israel and its surrounding territories. The sand-lizard, specifically, is adapted to desert environments, which aligns with the geographical and climatic conditions of many biblical settings.

Biblical Context and Symbolism

In the Bible, reptiles and creeping things are often mentioned in the context of creation and the natural order established by God. Genesis 1:24-25 states, "And God said, 'Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild animals, each according to its kind.' And it was so." This passage highlights the diversity of God's creation, including creatures like the sand-lizard that move along the ground.

Leviticus 11:29-30 provides a list of unclean animals, which includes various types of lizards: "Of the creatures that move along the ground, these are unclean for you: the weasel, the rat, any kind of great lizard, the gecko, the monitor lizard, the wall lizard, the skink, and the chameleon." While the sand-lizard is not specifically named, it falls under the broader category of lizards, which were considered unclean under Mosaic Law. This classification underscores the importance of ritual purity and the distinctiveness of the Israelite community in their dietary practices.

Cultural and Historical Insights

In the cultural and historical context of the Bible, lizards, including the sand-lizard, were part of the everyday landscape. They were often seen scurrying across rocks and sand, a common sight for the people of the Bible. The presence of lizards in biblical lands serves as a reminder of the harsh and challenging environment in which many biblical narratives unfold.

The adaptability and resilience of the sand-lizard can also serve as a metaphor for survival and perseverance in difficult circumstances. Just as the sand-lizard thrives in the desert, the people of God are called to endure and remain faithful amidst trials and tribulations.

Theological Reflections

From a theological perspective, the mention of lizards and other creeping things in Scripture can be seen as a testament to God's sovereignty over all creation. Every creature, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, is part of God's intricate design. This reflects the biblical theme of God's providence and care for all His creatures, as expressed in Matthew 10:29-31 : "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."

In summary, while the sand-lizard is not directly mentioned in the Bible, its existence and characteristics can be understood within the broader biblical themes of creation, purity, and God's providential care. The sand-lizard, like all creatures, plays a role in the tapestry of God's creation, reflecting His glory and the diversity of life He has ordained.SAND-LIZARD

sand'-liz-ard. (chomeT; Septuagint saura, "lizard"; the King James Version snail): ChomeT is 7th in the list of unclean "creeping things" in Leviticus 11:29, 30, and occurs nowhere else. It is probably a skink or some species of Lacerta.

See LIZARD

Sandlizard
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SAND-LIZARD. sand'-liz-ard. (chomeT; Septuagint
saura, "lizard"; the King James Version snail): ChomeT ...
/s/sandlizard.htm - 6k

Sand-lizard (1 Occurrence)
Sand-lizard. Sandlizard, Sand-lizard. Sands . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ...
(See JPS ASV BBE). Sandlizard, Sand-lizard. Sands . Reference Bible.
/s/sand-lizard.htm - 7k

Snail (2 Occurrences)
... 11:30). This was probably the sand-lizard, of which there are many species
in the wilderness of Judea and the Sinai peninsula. (2 ...
/s/snail.htm - 10k

Lizard (3 Occurrences)
... compare Arabic laTa', "to cling to the ground"; (7) chormeT, the King James Version
"snail," the Revised Version (British and American) "sand-lizard" (which see ...
/l/lizard.htm - 16k

Sands (9 Occurrences)

/s/sands.htm - 9k

Zoology
... OPHIDIA: Serpent, Fiery Serpent, Adder, Asp, Vipet (sv SERPENT) LACERTILIA: Lizard,
Great Lizard, Gecko, Chameleon, Land Crocodile, SandLizard (sv LIZARD ...
/z/zoology.htm - 18k

Land-crocodile (1 Occurrence)
... Land-crocodile (1 Occurrence). Leviticus 11:30 and the gecko, and the land-crocodile,
and the lizard, and the sand-lizard, and the chameleon. (ASV JPS). ...
/l/land-crocodile.htm - 6k

Ferret (1 Occurrence)
... ah, English Versions of the Bible "lizard"; (7) chomeT, the King James Version
"snail," the Revised Version (British and American) "sandlizard"; (8) tinshemeth ...
/f/ferret.htm - 11k

Crocodile (1 Occurrence)
... Crocodile (1 Occurrence). Leviticus 11:30 and the gecko, and the land-crocodile,
and the lizard, and the sand-lizard, and the chameleon. (ASV BBE JPS NAS RSV). ...
/c/crocodile.htm - 7k

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