Topical Encyclopedia The dove holds a significant place within the biblical narrative, symbolizing purity, peace, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. As a clean bird, the dove is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Scriptures, reflecting its importance in religious rituals and symbolism.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, the dove is first introduced in the account of Noah's Ark. After the flood, Noah sends out a dove to determine if the waters had receded. The dove returns with an olive leaf, indicating that the earth was becoming habitable again (Genesis 8:11). This event has led to the dove being a symbol of hope and new beginnings. The dove is also mentioned in the context of sacrificial offerings. In Leviticus, doves are listed among the clean birds that could be offered as sacrifices to the Lord. For those who could not afford larger animals, doves provided an accessible means of fulfilling sacrificial requirements (Leviticus 1:14). This provision underscores the dove's status as a clean bird, acceptable for worship and atonement. New Testament Symbolism In the New Testament, the dove takes on a profound symbolic role during the baptism of Jesus. As Jesus emerges from the waters of the Jordan River, the Holy Spirit descends upon Him in the form of a dove, and a voice from heaven declares, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:16-17). This event marks the dove as a symbol of the Holy Spirit and divine approval. The dove's association with the Holy Spirit is further emphasized in the teachings of Jesus. In instructing His disciples, Jesus advises them to be "as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves" (Matthew 10:16). Here, the dove represents innocence and purity, qualities that believers are encouraged to embody. Cultural and Religious Significance Throughout Christian history, the dove has maintained its symbolic significance. It is often depicted in Christian art and iconography as a representation of the Holy Spirit. The image of a dove carrying an olive branch has become a universal symbol of peace, drawing from its biblical roots in the account of Noah. In summary, the dove is a clean bird with deep spiritual and symbolic meanings in the Bible. From its role in sacrificial practices to its representation of the Holy Spirit, the dove embodies themes of purity, peace, and divine presence, resonating throughout the biblical narrative and Christian tradition. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 8:8Also he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground; Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Dove of God The Survival of the Fittest. Chapter viii Whether a Suitable Cause Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies which ... Here Beginneth the History of Noah The Creation of Fowl and Water Animals. Prayers and Praise from a Pure Mind, Ceaselessly Offered, Far ... A Treatise against the Heretic Novatian by an Anonymous Bishop. On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xxii. 2, Etc. , About the ... Second Part of the Book. Resources Were fish and sea creatures also destroyed during the Flood (Genesis 6-8)? | GotQuestions.orgHow can Christian parents deal with empty-nest syndrome? | GotQuestions.org What made some animals clean and others unclean (Genesis 7)? | GotQuestions.org Birds: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Birds are Hostile to Strange Kinds Birds of Cruel and Rapacious Kings Birds of People of Different Countries Birds of the Devil and his Spirits Birds: (Snaring) Designs of the Wicked Birds: Called: Birds of the Air Birds: Called: Fowls of Heaven Birds: Called: Fowls of the Air Birds: Clean: Offered in Sacrifice Birds: Confinement of, in Cages Alluded To Birds: Created for the Glory of God Birds: Creation of, on the Fifth Creative Day Birds: Differ in Flesh from Beasts and Fishes Birds: Early Distinguished Into Clean and Clean Birds: Have Each Their Peculiar Note or Song Birds: Herb of the Field Given As Food To Birds: Inhabit: Deserted Cities Birds: Instinct of, Inferior to Man's Reason Birds: Lessons of Wisdom to be Learned From Birds: Make Their Nests in Clefts of Rocks Birds: Make Their Nests in Deserted Cities Birds: Make Their Nests in Trees Birds: Make Their Nests: On the Ground Birds: Make Their Nests: Under the Roofs of Houses Birds: Make, and Dwell in Nests Birds: Many Kinds of, Carnivorous Birds: Many Kinds of, Graniverous Birds: Many Kinds of, Migratory Birds: Moses' Law Protected the Mother from Being Taken With the Young Birds: Names Given To, by Adam Birds: No Likeness of, to be Made for Worship Birds: Not to be Eaten With Their Young Birds: Often Remove from Places Suffering Calamities Birds: Often Suffered for Man's Sin Birds: Often Worshipped by Idolaters Birds: Power Over Given to Man Birds: Rapid Flight of, Alluded To Birds: Solomon Wrote the History of Birds: Songs of, at the Break of Day Birds: Taken in Snares or Nets Birds: The Blood of, not to be Eaten Birds: Unclean: Not to be Eaten Birds: What Species Were Unclean Related Terms |
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