In the Bible, bears are mentioned as part of the natural world created by God, and they often symbolize strength and ferocity. The Hebrew word for bear is "דֹּב" (dov). Bears are referenced in several passages, illustrating both literal and metaphorical uses.

One of the most notable mentions of bears is in the account of Elisha in 2 Kings 2:23-24. As Elisha was traveling to Bethel, a group of youths mocked him, saying, "Go up, you baldhead!" In response, Elisha called down a curse in the name of the LORD, and two female bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the youths. This event underscores the seriousness of respecting God's prophets and the divine protection afforded to them.

Bears are also used metaphorically in the Bible to describe the ferocity of certain nations or individuals. In Daniel 7:5, a bear represents the Medo-Persian Empire in Daniel's vision of the four beasts, symbolizing its strength and voraciousness. Similarly, in Hosea 13:8, God describes His wrath against Israel as being like a bear robbed of her cubs, highlighting the intensity of His anger and the impending judgment.

In Proverbs 28:15, a wicked ruler over a poor people is compared to a "roaring lion or a charging bear," emphasizing the oppressive and destructive nature of unjust leadership.

Doves

Doves hold significant symbolic meaning in the Bible, often representing peace, purity, and the Holy Spirit. The Hebrew word for dove is "יוֹנָה" (yonah), and the Greek word is "περιστερά" (peristera).

One of the earliest mentions of a dove is in the account of Noah's Ark. In Genesis 8:8-12, Noah sends out a dove to see if the waters had receded from the earth. The dove returns with an olive leaf, signaling the end of God's judgment through the flood and the restoration of peace between God and humanity.

Doves are also associated with sacrificial offerings. In Leviticus 1:14, doves or young pigeons are acceptable offerings for those who cannot afford more expensive animals, highlighting God's provision for all people to participate in worship and atonement.

In the New Testament, the dove is a powerful symbol of the Holy Spirit. At Jesus' baptism, the Holy Spirit descends upon Him in the form of a dove, as recorded in Matthew 3:16: "As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Him." This event marks the divine approval of Jesus' ministry and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Doves also symbolize innocence and purity. In Matthew 10:16, Jesus instructs His disciples to be "as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves," encouraging them to combine wisdom with purity in their conduct as they spread the Gospel.

Overall, bears and doves in the Bible serve as rich symbols that convey messages of strength, judgment, peace, and divine presence, reflecting the multifaceted nature of God's interaction with His creation.