Moles

In the Bible, moles are mentioned in the context of idolatry and the rejection of false gods. The reference to moles is found in Isaiah 2:20 : "In that day men will cast away to the moles and bats their idols of silver and gold, the idols they made to worship." This verse is part of a prophetic passage where Isaiah speaks of a future time when people will abandon their idols in recognition of the true God. The mention of moles, along with bats, symbolizes the worthlessness and darkness associated with idolatry, as these creatures are often found in hidden, subterranean places.

Moles, as understood in the biblical context, are small, burrowing mammals known for their underground lifestyle. They are rarely seen on the surface, which may contribute to their symbolic use in the Bible as creatures associated with darkness and concealment. The act of casting idols to the moles signifies a complete renunciation of false worship, as these idols are discarded into the depths of the earth, never to be retrieved.

Bats

Bats are also mentioned in the same verse, Isaiah 2:20, alongside moles. The inclusion of bats in this passage further emphasizes the theme of darkness and the futility of idol worship. Bats are nocturnal creatures, often associated with night and darkness, which aligns with the biblical portrayal of idolatry as a practice shrouded in spiritual darkness.

In Leviticus 11:19 and Deuteronomy 14:18, bats are listed among the unclean animals that the Israelites were forbidden to eat. These dietary laws were part of the Mosaic Law, which set the Israelites apart from other nations and taught them principles of holiness and separation. The classification of bats as unclean reflects their nature as creatures of the night, reinforcing the biblical theme of distinguishing between clean and unclean, light and darkness.

The symbolic use of bats in Isaiah 2:20, in conjunction with moles, serves to illustrate the ultimate rejection of idolatry. By casting idols to these creatures, the people demonstrate their recognition of the emptiness of false gods and their return to the worship of the one true God. This act signifies a turning away from spiritual darkness and a movement towards the light of divine truth.