Proverbs 30:26 - Printer Friendly

ESV: the rock badgers are a people not mighty, yet they make their homes in the cliffs;

NIV: hyraxes are creatures of little power, yet they make their home in the crags;

NASB: The rock hyraxes are not a mighty people, Yet they make their houses in the rocks;

CSB: hyraxes are not a mighty people, yet they make their homes in the cliffs;

NLT: Hyraxes — they aren’t powerful, but they make their homes among the rocks.

KJV: The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;

NKJV: The rock badgers are a feeble folk, Yet they make their homes in the crags;

This verse describes an animal using the Hebrew word sāphān, which is not clearly defined. Translations use terms such as "rock badger" or "coney" or "hyrax" (Leviticus 11:5; Deuteronomy 14:7). Many commentators associate it with the species hyrax syriacus: the rock hyrax. These mammals look somewhat like a combination of rabbit, guinea pig, and meerkat. American readers would likely associate them with groundhogs, also called "woodchucks." These animals were famous for their social structure and using rock crevices to hide from predators.

In Agur's era (Proverbs 30:1), homes and fortresses built on high, rocky terrain were excellent choices for defense. Groups who could conquer and settle such locations were considered "mighty" as a result (Obadiah 1:2–3). Rock hyraxes were not mighty, at all—they were weak and could only hide from enemies. Yet they populated the most "secure" places in the ancient middle east. That irony is used in other passages to explain God's ability to provide protection even for the vulnerable (Psalm 104:18).

Also noteworthy is how a rock hyrax community will actively look out for danger. Their habitat allows relatively clear views. If they see an enemy approaching, they make warning sounds and hide under rocks. A bird of prey might see a rock badger yet find it extremely difficult to catch. Wise Christians, like rock badgers, should be aware of their enemy, the Devil, and cling to the Rock of Ages for protection (1 Peter 5:8–9).

In Proverbs 30:15–31 Agur (Proverbs 30:1) gives several numerical observations. He lists four things which never lead to satisfaction, only increased desire. Another four ideas are said to be "wonderful," here meant in the sense of being hard to grasp. Next are four examples of the dangers of putting people in sudden positions of power. Then, four seemingly humble animals who achieve great tasks. The last is a series of examples showing the "stately" nature of confidence.

This chapter contains the teachings of Agur, who is only known through this passage. Humility and a sense of one's own limitations are key themes in this section. Agur prays for God's providence and warns about the sins of arrogance, greed, and rebelliousness. He marvels at how the ungodly can sin without care, not realizing their fate. He then notes the way some insignificant animals accomplish great things and comments on the effects of confidence. The chapter ends with a reminder that stirring up anger leads to trouble.

This chapter falls between a collection of Solomon's wise sayings (Proverbs 25—29) and King Lemuel's proverbs (Proverbs 31). Chapter 30 contains the wise sayings of Agur, who is otherwise unknown. He may have been the son of Jakeh. His teachings are called an oracle: a weighty message from God. Humility and warnings about arrogance are recurring themes in this chapter.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.