RABBIT
One of the animals prohibited to the Israelites.
It is described as ruminant, but with undivided hoof. The rabbit is not known in Palestine.
The term “saphan” is supposed to designate the “rock rabbit”, an animal similar to hares, but belonging to the pachyderms.
He has the habit of continually rubbing his teeth together, giving the appearance of chewing (Lev. 11:5; Deut. 14:7).
Its other characteristics correspond to those mentioned about the “saphan”, such as making its abode in rocks, as well as its extreme rapidity in jumping from rock to rock (Ps. 104:18); It is also very difficult to hunt; one of them keeps watch while the others feed; At the slightest threat, a signal is given, and everyone flees in disarray.
This is consistent with their qualification as “wiser than the wise” (Prov. 30:24, 26).