The turtle dove holds significant symbolic and ritual importance within the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the Temple in Jerusalem. In the Old Testament, the turtle dove is frequently mentioned as an acceptable offering for various sacrifices, especially for those who could not afford more expensive animals like lambs or bulls. This made the turtle dove a common sight in the markets surrounding the Temple, where they were sold to worshippers seeking to fulfill their religious obligations.

Biblical References and Symbolism

The turtle dove is first introduced in the context of sacrificial offerings in the Mosaic Law. In Leviticus 1:14, the turtle dove is specified as an acceptable burnt offering: "If, however, his offering to the LORD is a burnt offering of birds, he is to present a turtledove or a young pigeon." This provision underscores the accessibility of the turtle dove as a sacrificial animal, allowing even the poor to participate in the sacrificial system.

The turtle dove is also mentioned in the context of purification rites. In Leviticus 12:6-8, after the birth of a child, a woman is required to bring a lamb for a burnt offering and a young pigeon or a turtle dove for a sin offering. However, if she cannot afford a lamb, she may bring two turtle doves or two young pigeons. This is echoed in the New Testament, where Mary, the mother of Jesus, offers two turtle doves or pigeons at the Temple, as recorded in Luke 2:24: "and to offer the sacrifice specified in the Law of the Lord: 'A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.'"

The Market in the Temple

The presence of turtle doves in the Temple market is most vividly depicted in the New Testament accounts of Jesus cleansing the Temple. The Gospels describe how Jesus drove out those who were buying and selling animals, including turtle doves, in the Temple courts. In John 2:14-16, it is written: "In the temple courts He found men selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and money changers seated at their tables. So He made a whip out of cords and drove them all from the temple courts, both the sheep and the cattle. He poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those selling doves He said, 'Get these out of here! How dare you turn My Father’s house into a marketplace!'"

This incident highlights the commercialization of religious practices and the exploitation of the faithful, particularly the poor, who relied on purchasing affordable offerings like turtle doves. The presence of these markets within the sacred precincts of the Temple was seen as a corruption of its intended purpose as a house of prayer.

Cultural and Religious Significance

The turtle dove's role in the Temple market reflects its broader cultural and religious significance. As a symbol of purity, innocence, and devotion, the turtle dove was not only a practical choice for sacrifices but also a poignant representation of the worshipper's heart posture before God. Its gentle nature and monogamous behavior further enriched its symbolic value, often representing faithfulness and love in biblical poetry and prophecy.

In summary, the turtle dove's presence in the Temple market underscores its integral role in the sacrificial system and its accessibility to all social classes. The biblical narrative surrounding the turtle dove offers insights into the religious practices of ancient Israel and the challenges of maintaining the sanctity of worship amidst commercial pressures.Matthew 21:12
And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,
Nave's Topical Index

John 2:14
And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:
Nave's Topical Index

Intercessory Prayer
... was the bow in the cloud, the dove bearing the olive branch, the voice of the turtle
announcing the ... beating down the price at the market." "Peradventure there ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/intercessory prayer.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... Henceforth I will beget children." He relates that Josiah, a righteous man, in whose
time the book of Deuteronomy was found in the temple, was instructed by ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... tells us that the man that he saw come to measure the city and temple, had in ... the
time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

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