Have you ever discussed Sea Cows in science or biology class?
They’re mentioned in the Bible. Apparently, a sea cow is part of a larger group of marine mammals Sirenia. According to Encyclopedia Britannica, the sea cow has been extinct since the 18th century, 30 years after being discovered in 1741. I’m thinking that since sea cows are mentioned in the Bible, that the ones that were discovered in the 1700’s may not have been the same animal, but, a close relative. It’s possible that the sea cows mentioned in the Bible were any of the four animals in the Sirenia group of mammals.
I just think it’s kinda cool to read about these creatures mentioned in the Bible.
Exodus 25:1-7:
The Lord said to Moses, 2 “Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from everyone whose heart prompts them to give. 3 These are the offerings you are to receive from them: gold, silver and bronze; 4 blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen; goat hair; 5 ram skins dyed red and hides of sea cows (or dugongs)[a]; acacia wood; 6 olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; 7 and onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece.
Dugongs are in danger of extinction and are hunted for their meat, hides and oil. They live for about 73 years and it takes them up to ten years to reach sexual maturity. A pregnancy can last for en entire year.
What’s the point of this blog post? I’m not really sure! If you have any insight or knowledge to provide about sea cows and dugongs, feel free to share!