Just before all the snow started, we happened across this small group of goats very near the highway. I had my camera with me, and it was a nice surprise. They were very friendly, following our car as we drove back and forth, and even jumping up on the fence to get a better look. I must say that something about goats has always given me the creeps, but I could never put my finger on what it was. Maybe the shape of their head, or the fact that they have been used as a symbol of evil? But no, wait. There it was, right in my camera lens! Their eyes. The pupils are rectangles. Yipes! Creepy. This actually gives them better vision at night, plus they can see all around them without having to turn their heads. Octopuses also have rectangular pupils. Goats are members of the cattle family, and live between 10 and 15 years. Perhaps the reason they have been depicted as symbols of evil is because of scapegoats. The term scapegoat comes from God's orders to Aaron. In Bible times, two goats were picked. One was sacrificed to God. The other bore the sins of the people and was sent off to die, thus helping to ease guilt. God tells his people about this in Leviticus 16:10. Jesus was, of course, the ultimate scapegoat. Perfect in every way, yet bearing all of our sins with no complaint. Giving us life forever if only we will love God. Could there ever be a better deal in the whole world than the one offered to us by our maker? Signed, sealed, delivered, we're His.
"But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense - Jesus Christ, The Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." 1 John 2
6 comments:
Even with their creepy eyes I still think they are cute. Maybe if I don't look at their eyes. Great photos Ginny, they are interesting fellows.
I used to sing a little song called "Bill Grogans Goat".. Remember that one? It talks about a goat eating some red shirts from off the line --and then he coughed them up and flagged the train. Cute little song!!!!
You got some great pictures of the goats. Don't think I have ever noticed their eyes before...
Great post.
Hugs,
Betsy
You got some wonderful pictures of the goats. I had never realized that the pupils of goats were rectangular. Thanks for the education.
I love goats, i had never noticed their eyes, or never thought them creepy. I have held baby goats and they are a delight. this is a lot of info here that i never heard, great post. I especailly like the first photo. they are toooo cute
Yes...it's the eyes. I never noticed that were rectangular pupils, though. I just think the color is creepy.
Having said that, I think they are lovely friendly little beasts with unfortunate eyes.
Like some of your other visitors, I'd never noticed the rectangular pupils ... how strange is that? I wonder if other animals also have this odd feature? Hope you're staying warm in all that snow ;-)
Hugs and blessings,
Post a Comment