leopard

A large cat identified by its characteristic spots (Jer 13:23). It is at home in mountainous terrain, especially Mt. Hermon and Lebanon (Song 4:8). As a predator, the leopard represented a great danger to shepherds and their flocks as well as to travelers (Jer 5:6; Sir 28:23), and cessation of such predatory activity will characterize the time of God’s final peace (Isa 11:6). (Hab 1:8) mentions horses that are swifter than the leopard, but this probably refers instead to the cheetah, another large cat once present in the area and trained for use in hunting.