In the context of biblical history, the question of the rhinoceros involves both archaeological evidence of the ancient environment and the linguistic translation of the Hebrew text. While the rhinoceros is not native to the Levant today, there is compelling evidence—both from the earth and the Word—that such creatures were known to the people of the Bible.
Archaeological and Fossil Evidence
Science and archaeology confirm that rhinoceroses once roamed the regions surrounding the Holy Land, though many species became extinct in the Middle East prior to or during the early stages of recorded history.
- The Azraq Oasis (Jordan): Archaeological excavations at the Azraq Oasis, approximately 80 miles east of Jerusalem, have uncovered the remains of rhinoceroses alongside other “ice-age” megafauna like elephants and lions. These findings indicate that the environment of the post-Flood world was significantly wetter and more lush, capable of supporting massive herbivores in areas that are now desert.
- The “Green Sahara”: Fossil evidence from North Africa (Morocco and the Sahara) shows that white rhinoceroses lived in the region until the climate began to shift toward desertification. This suggests that during the times of the Patriarchs, the “Fertile Crescent” and its fringes likely harbored exotic animals that have since been pushed to the southern reaches of Africa.
- The Black Obelisk: The Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser III (an Assyrian king from the 9th century BC) depicts various animals being brought as tribute, including elephants and a one-horned creature that many historians identify as an Indian rhinoceros. This proves that even if they weren’t roaming the hills of Judea, the kings and people of the biblical world were certainly aware of them through trade and conquest.
The Linguistic Evidence: The “Unicorn” of the KJV
In the King James Version of the Bible, the Hebrew word re’em is translated as “unicorn.” While modern readers often think of a mythical horse, the 17th-century translators and ancient scholars understood this to be a real, powerful, and untamable beast.
“Will the unicorn be willing to serve thee, or abide by thy crib? Canst thou bind the unicorn with his band in the furrow? or will he harrow the valleys after thee?” (Job 39:9-10, KJV)
The description in the book of Job fits the rhinoceros perfectly:
- Untamable Strength: Unlike the ox, which could be yoked for labor, the re’em is noted for its fierce independence and refusal to serve man.
- Great Force: Numbers 23:22 says, “God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn.” The raw, bulldozer-like power of a rhinoceros is a fitting biblical metaphor for the strength of God’s deliverance.
- The Horn: While some scholars argue the re’em was the extinct aurochs (a wild bull), the rhinoceros is the most famous animal in history defined specifically by its horn (the name literally means “nose-horn”).
While the rhinoceros eventually disappeared from the Middle East due to climate changes and hunting, the historical and scriptural record suggests they were a vivid reality to the ancient mind. Whether through direct encounter in the lush Jordan valley of the past or through the terrifying accounts of travelers, the rhinoceros stands as a testament to the “behemoth” power of God’s creation.