The atalleph, νυκτερίς,'night bird,' is the animal well known as the bat: it was in the law forbidden to be eaten. Leviticus 11:19; Deuteronomy 14:18 . There are several species found in Palestine: they inhabit the tombs and caves, and are familiar with darkness. Where there are many the effluvium from them is very noisome. Their habitation becomes a fit emblem of darkness and offensiveness, a place to which men will cast their idols of gold and silver when Jehovah arises to deal with the earth. Isaiah 2:20 .