Scorpion in Smiths Bible Dictionary
(Heb. 'akrab), a well known venomous insect of hot climates,
shaped much like a lobster. It is usually not more than two or
three inches long, but in tropical climates is sometimes six
inches in length. The wilderness of Sinai is especially
alluded to as being inhabited by scorpions at the time of the
exodus, and to this day these animals are common in the same
district, as well as in some parts of Israel. Scorpions are
generally found in dry and in dark places, under stones and in
ruins. They are carnivorous in the habits, and move along in a
threatening attitude, with the tail elevated. The sting, which
is situated at the end of the tail, has at its base a gland
that secretes a poisonous fluid, which is discharged into the
wound by two minute orifices at its extremity. In hot climates
the sting often occasions much suffering, and sometimes
alarming symptoms. The "scorpions" of 1Ki 12:1,14; 2Ch
10:11,14 have clearly no allusion whatever to the animal, but
to some instrument of scourging --unless indeed the expression
is a mere figure.
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