< Vorige | Inhoud | Volgende >
ayyal. 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. Ps. 42: 1. The bride in the Canticles compares the bridegroom to a young hart. Cant. 2: 9, 17; Cant. 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.