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JACKAL.—Although the word ‘jackal’ does not occur in the AV [Note: Authorized Version.] , there is no doubt that this animal is several times mentioned in OT: it occurs several times in RV [Note: Revised Version.] where AV [Note: Authorized Version.] has ‘fox.’ (1) shû’âl is used in Heb. for both animals, but most of the references are most suitably tr. [Note: translate or translation.] ‘jackal.’ The only OT passage in which the fox is probably intended is Neh_4:3. (2) tannîm (pl.), AV [Note: Authorized Version.] ‘dragons,’ is in RV [Note: Revised Version.] usually tr. [Note: translate or translation.] ‘jackals.’ See Isa_34:13, Jer_9:11; Jer_10:22 etc. Post considers ‘wolves’ would be better. (3) ’iyyîm, tr. [Note: translate or translation.] AV [Note: Authorized Version.] ‘wild beasts of the island’ (Isa_13:22; Isa_34:14, Jer_50:39), is in RV [Note: Revised Version.] tr. [Note: translate or translation.] ‘wolves,’ but Post thinks these ‘howling creatures’ (as word implies) were more probably jackals. (4) ’ôhîm, ‘doleful creatures’ (Isa_13:21), may also have been jackals. The jackal (Canis aureus) is exceedingly common in Palestine; its mournful cries are heard every night. During the day jackals hide in deserted ruins, etc. (Isa_13:22; Isa_34:13; Isa_35:7), but as soon as the sun sets they issue forth. They may at such times be frequently seen gliding backwards and forwards across the roads seeking for morsels of food. Their staple food is carrion of all sorts (Psa_63:10). At the present day the Bedouin threaten an enemy with death by saying they will ‘throw his body to the jackals.’ Though harmless to grown men when solitary, a whole pack may be dangerous. The writer knows of a case where a European was pursued for miles over the Philistine plain by a pack of jackals. It is because they go in packs that we take the shu’âlim of Jdg_15:4 to be jackals rather than foxes. Both animals have a weakness for grapes (Son_2:15). Cf. art. Fox.
E. W. G. Masterman.