King Solomon apparently had a zoo near his palace, and apes were one of the animals he kept. We do not know what species of apes they were, but quite possibly they included baboons.
There are several kinds of baboons in South Africa. Most of them have dog-like faces, but some are called “pig face” because they resemble a pig. Baboons weigh about 50 pounds, and all have large canine teeth and cheek pouches in which they can store food. They are noisy and quarrelsome animals and sometimes viciously attack humans.
A visitor in South Africa recounted taking a walk into the jungle. When he was some distance from the village, he suddenly found a group of baboons surrounding him, causing him to fear for his life. Fortunately, a car appeared on the seldom-used road, and the baboons quickly left.
The members of this ape family live in communities and have a highly developed social system. They have a dominant leader with all others taking their places in a well-defined “pecking order.”
Making frequent raids on farmers’ crops, they are a serious pest. In one area farmers kept such close watch with their guns that the baboons discontinued coming into the orchards as a group. Yet the trees continued to be stripped of fruit, much to the dismay of the farmers. Finally they discovered what was taking place. A group of baboons was found forming a line concealed in brush adjoining the orchard. After making sure he was not being watched, the leader would silently approach a tree alone, pick some fruit and hurry with it to the first baboon in line. The fruit was then passed from animal to animal and placed in a pile at the far end of the line. Then they all had a feast. However, they seemed to know that this little game might be interrupted, so as the first of the fruit reached them, each baboon took a bite and stored it in his cheek pouch without eating it. They seemed to sense that if they were chased away they would at least have one meal.
This animal also has a characteristic that researchers wonder about. In periods of drought when other animals are dying of thirst, baboons somehow find water and survive.
Like every animal of God’s creation, this unusual one has been given instincts that enable it to flourish in harsh environments. The Psalmist said, “I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember Thy wonders of old. . . . Thou art the God that doest wonders: Thou hast declared Thy strength among the people” (Psalm 77:11,1411I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. (Psalm 77:11)
14Thou art the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people. (Psalm 77:14)).
We are responsible to recognize the wonders of God in creation, for this is one way in which He has “declared [His] strength among the people.” But it is much more important to know Him as the Saviour God who gave His Son “to be the propitiation [offering] for our sins” (1 John 4:1010Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (1 John 4:10)). Do you know His Son, Jesus, as your very own Lord and Saviour?
OCTOBER 22, 1995
ML-10/22/1995