In the Holy Scriptures, doves are frequently used as symbols of purity, peace, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. This symbolism extends to the saints, who are often compared to doves in their pursuit of holiness, innocence, and divine communion.

Symbolism of Doves in Scripture

Doves are first mentioned in the context of Noah's Ark. After the flood, Noah sends out a dove to see if the waters had receded. The dove returns with an olive leaf, signaling the restoration of peace between God and humanity (Genesis 8:11). This imagery of peace and reconciliation is foundational in understanding the dove's symbolic role in Scripture.

In the New Testament, the dove is prominently featured at the baptism of Jesus. The Holy Spirit descends upon Him in the form of a dove, signifying divine approval and the anointing of Jesus for His earthly ministry (Matthew 3:16). This event underscores the dove as a symbol of the Holy Spirit, purity, and divine presence.

Saints as Doves

The comparison of saints to doves is rooted in their shared attributes of purity, innocence, and a close relationship with God. In the Song of Solomon, the beloved is described as having "eyes like doves" (Song of Solomon 1:15), suggesting purity and a gentle spirit. This imagery is often applied to the saints, who are called to live lives of holiness and devotion.

The Apostle Paul exhorts believers to be "blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation" (Philippians 2:15). This call to purity aligns with the dove's symbolism, as saints are to reflect the innocence and peace that doves represent.

Doves and the Holy Spirit

The association of doves with the Holy Spirit further enriches the comparison to saints. Just as the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus as a dove, the Spirit indwells believers, empowering them to live holy lives. The fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, and gentleness (Galatians 5:22-23), mirrors the characteristics attributed to doves.

Saints, therefore, are called to embody these qualities, living as vessels of the Holy Spirit and reflecting God's peace and purity in the world. The dove's gentle nature serves as a model for the demeanor and conduct expected of those who follow Christ.

Conclusion

In summary, the comparison of saints to doves in the Bible is rich with meaning. Doves symbolize purity, peace, and the presence of the Holy Spirit, qualities that saints are called to emulate. Through their lives, saints are to reflect the innocence and divine communion that doves represent, living as beacons of God's love and holiness in a fallen world.Psalm 68:13
Though you have lien among the pots, yet shall you be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 60:8
Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Index of Subjects.
... mission of, prophetic, [94]219; how like sheep and doves, [95]220 ... 938]224, under
special disadvantages, [939]225, as compared with other saints, [940]225 ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/index of subjects.htm

Concerning Peaceableness
... And shall we make good Julian's words? It is unseemly to see Christ's doves fighting;
to see his lily become a bramble. ... The saints are compared to living ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/18 concerning peaceableness.htm

Of Two Other Degrees of Greater Perfection, by which we May Love ...
... in love, that all the rest being compared to her ... take the rank of queens, of only
doves, of perfect ... fruit, or mistletoe and moss; so great saints never produce ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter v of two other.htm

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... They are compared to eagles (Isaiah 40:31), in regard of their sublimeness and ... The
communion of saints is precious ... Christ's doves will flock together in company ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm

Shewing How a Principle of Grace is from the Spirit of God. "
... 12" "His eyes are as the eyes of doves:" Cant.5 ... 44:3; 32:15; 41:17,18, compared with
John ... is the purchased possession and inheritance of the saints, as appears ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/edwards/treatise on grace/shewing how a principle of.htm

The Saviour's Many Crowns
... think that his dignity was so small compared with that ... them as having been written
amongst the saints of the ... we in flocks have sped hither like doves to their ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the saviours many crowns.htm

Christian Meekness
... The graces therefore are compared to needlework, which is ... that will have us innocent
as doves' not to ... to God all who profess themselves saints were bespangled ...
/.../watson/the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/12 christian meekness.htm

The Incomparable Bridegroom and his Bride
... be truly saintly, saints of the first water, saints who had ... 9. I have compared thee,
O my love, to a company ... love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/the incomparable bridegroom and his.htm

Texts Explained; Ninthly...
... and the Son coming to the Saints, the Father is ... in honour, hath no understanding,
but is compared unto the ... wise as serpents and harmless as doves [2934] .' And ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/chapter xxv texts explained ninthly.htm

A Case of Conscience Resolved
... says, "They shall be on the mountains like doves of the ... godly women as are in the
churches of the saints (1 Corinthians 14:33-35 compared with vv 15 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a case of conscience resolved.htm

What are Christian saints according to the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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Is prayer to saints / Mary biblical? | GotQuestions.org

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