In the context of the New Testament, dove-sellers were merchants who sold doves or pigeons, primarily for sacrificial purposes in the Jewish temple. The practice of selling doves is mentioned in the Gospels, particularly in the accounts of Jesus cleansing the temple. This event is recorded in all four Gospels, highlighting its significance in the ministry of Jesus.

Biblical Context

Doves held a special place in Jewish sacrificial law. According to the Mosaic Law, doves or pigeons were acceptable offerings for those who could not afford more expensive animals like lambs or bulls. Leviticus 5:7 states, "If, however, he cannot afford a lamb, he may bring to the LORD as his penalty for the sin he has committed two turtledoves or two young pigeons." This provision made it possible for the poor to participate in the sacrificial system, ensuring that all Israelites could maintain a relationship with God through the prescribed offerings.

New Testament References

The presence of dove-sellers in the temple courts is most notably mentioned during the cleansing of the temple by Jesus. In the Gospel of Matthew 21:12 , it is written, "Then Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those selling doves." Similarly, in Mark 11:15 , the account states, "On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began to drive out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves."

The presence of dove-sellers in the temple was indicative of the commercialization of religious practices, which Jesus vehemently opposed. The temple, meant to be a house of prayer, had become a marketplace, and the selling of doves was part of this broader issue. Jesus' actions in cleansing the temple were a prophetic demonstration against the corruption and exploitation that had infiltrated the worship of God.

Theological Significance

The dove-sellers, while providing a necessary service for temple worship, became part of a system that exploited the faithful. Jesus' condemnation of their practices was not merely about the act of selling but about the heart and integrity of worship. By driving out the dove-sellers, Jesus emphasized the need for purity in worship and the importance of maintaining the sanctity of the temple as a place dedicated to God.

Furthermore, the cleansing of the temple by Jesus can be seen as a fulfillment of prophetic expectation. In Malachi 3:1-3 , the coming of the Lord to His temple is described as a refining and purifying event. Jesus' actions symbolized the need for spiritual renewal and the restoration of true worship among God's people.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the first-century Jewish context, the temple in Jerusalem was the center of religious life. Pilgrims from all over the Jewish diaspora would come to the temple to offer sacrifices, especially during major festivals like Passover. The dove-sellers, along with money changers, provided necessary services for these pilgrims, who often traveled long distances and could not bring their own sacrificial animals.

However, the location of these commercial activities within the temple courts, particularly in the Court of the Gentiles, was problematic. It hindered the ability of Gentiles to worship and pray, thus contradicting the temple's purpose as a house of prayer for all nations (Isaiah 56:7).

Conclusion

The role of dove-sellers in the New Testament narrative serves as a reminder of the potential for religious practices to become corrupted by commercial interests. Jesus' actions in cleansing the temple underscore the importance of maintaining the purity and sanctity of worship, free from exploitation and greed. The presence of dove-sellers in the temple courts, while initially a service to worshippers, ultimately became a symbol of the need for reform and renewal in the worship of God.Dove-sellers (1 Occurrence)

Mark 11:15
And they come to Jerusalem, and entering into the temple, he began to cast out those who sold and who bought in the temple, and he overthrew the tables of the moneychangers and the seats of the dove-sellers,
(DBY)

Dove-sellers (1 Occurrence)
Dove-sellers. Dovesdung, Dove-sellers. Dower . Multi-Version
Concordance Dove-sellers (1 Occurrence). Mark 11:15 And ...
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Dower (4 Occurrences)

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Dovesdung (1 Occurrence)

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