“The rock badgers are a feeble folk, yet they make their homes in the crags” (Proverbs 30:26). 

Do not be confused by the word “badger” being a part of this creature’s name.  This is not the pugnacious fighter many associate with the word “badger.”  The animal mentioned here is not the same family as the American, European, or Honey badgers.

The animal mentioned here is known by several names.  It is referred to as “rock hyrax,” “rock dassie,” “dassie,” “rock rabbit,” “coney,” and “rock badger.”  It is a small timid creature.  It is about the size of a rabbit.  Its length is about 11-20 inches.  Its weight is about 8-11 pounds.  It lives in Africa and the Middle East.  It feeds on vegetation, eggs, insects, and small lizards.

The animal has many larger predators.  These include: leopards, lions, hyenas, jackals, snakes, and birds of prey. 

Rock badgers survive by knowing where to dwell for safety.  They dwell among rock crevices, outcrops, and cliffs.  They do not venture far from a place for safe retreat.  “The high hills are for the wild goats; the cliffs are a refuge for the rock badgers” (Psalm 104:18).

Rock badgers also survive by being alert.  They are watchful and cautious as they feed.  The feed quickly. They are never out of the safety of the rocks for long.  They feed in groups.  They have been observed feeding in a circle with each member of the group facing outward looking for danger (Rock Hyrax, a-z-animals.com).  They have excellent vision and can spot a predator over 1,000 yards away (Rock Hyrax, sandiegozoo.org). They even have a filter membrane that allows them to look directly into the sun.

These creatures know where to flee for safety.  If danger is spotted, an alarm is sounded by one in the group.  “The Rock Hyrax then runs to hide in the safety of the gaps between the rocks” (a-z-animals.com).  “A hyrax can wedge itself backward between rocks and bite savagely at the intruder with its long, sharp incisors” (sandiegozoo.org). 

Applications for us: (1) We need to know where to dwell for safety.  “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold” (Psalm 18:2).  “But the LORD has been my defense, and my God the rock of my refuge” (Psalm 94:22).  (2) We need to be alert.  “See that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise” (Ephesians 5:15).  “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8).