Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898)
MOLE. In Lev 11:30 the Hebrew word is believed to denote the chameleon, already described. The most recent criticism would have this vexed verse read thus: "And the gecko and the monitor and the true lizard and the sand lizard and the chameleon." Another word rendered "mole," in Isa 2:20, means "the burrower." As no true moles have been found in Palestine, this term may comprehend the various rats and weasels that burrow about ruins. The
interesting mole-rat (Spalax typhlus), a quadruped about 10 inches long, and whose habits are indicated by its name, is doubtless one of these burrowers, if not the only one intended.