Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

GAZELLE

A member of the antelope family common to the biblical world (Heb. ṣĕḇî). Size varies with the species; the mature gazelle measures 61 to 92 cm. (24 to 36 in.) at the shoulder and weighs ca. 18 kg. (40 lb.). Its color ranges from cinnamon to gray, with white underparts and facial highlights. Dark stripes accent its ears, flank, and short tail. The horns of both sexes are ridged, lyre-shaped, and curve gracefully to the rear. Long, delicate legs give the gazelle exceptional speed and agility. These qualities are essential for survival in the diverse regions it occupies between central Africa and Mongolia.

Many species and subspecies of gazelle are known. Common to Palestine are the mountain gazelle (Gazella gazella), the Arab gazelle (G. arabica), and the dorcas gazelle (G. dorcas; the name is from the Greek; cf. Acts 9:36). The distinct features of the goitered gazelle (G. subgutturosa) are noted specifically in Mesopotamian art, but distinguishing between these species in the archaeological record is difficult.

Gazelles were hunted for food and sport, a challenge given the fact that gazelles can reach speeds that approach 97 kph (60 mph) in short bursts. The extent to which gazelles were captured, tamed, and managed remains disputed. In the Bible these animals were considered clean, and hence edible (Deut. 12:15, 22; 14:5; 15:22). Most passages, however, refer to the gazelle figuratively, emphasizing its speed (2 Sam. 2:18; 1 Chr. 12:8[MT 9]) and beauty (Cant. 2:9, 17; 3:5; 4:5; 7:3).

Mark Ziese

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

GAZELLE

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)