MOLE, an Animal declared impure by Moses1. The Hebrew Word Tinshamet is understood by the Syriack for an Animal with several Feet; perhaps the Scolopendra. Castellio translates the Hebrew by a Toad, others by a Weasel. Bochart thinks it signifies a Camelion, but the Chaldee and the Rabbins understand it of a Mole. The same Bochart believes, that the true Word for a Mole is Choled2, which the Vulgate has translated by Weasel.
We again find the Word Mole in the Vulgate, [and in the English Translation] Isai. ii, 20. But the Hebrew reads Chaporperoth3, derived from a Root signifying to dig; and by Consent of Interpreters, it signifies in this Place Moles. By this Passage of Isaiah, we see to what Excess the Blindness of the Jews proceeded, who gave divine Honours to such abject Creatures.
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