Topical Encyclopedia The dove holds significant symbolism and practical value within the biblical narrative. It is recognized as a clean bird, permissible for consumption under the dietary laws given to the Israelites. The dove's role extends beyond dietary regulations, serving as a symbol of peace, purity, and the Holy Spirit.Clean Animal In the Mosaic Law, the dove is classified as a clean bird, suitable for sacrifice and consumption. Leviticus 11:13-19 provides a list of birds considered unclean, and the dove is notably absent, indicating its status as clean. This classification is further affirmed in Leviticus 1:14, where doves are specified as acceptable offerings: "If his offering to the LORD is a burnt offering of birds, he is to present a turtledove or a young pigeon." Sacrificial Use The dove's role in sacrificial practices underscores its purity and acceptability before God. In Leviticus 5:7, the dove is mentioned as an alternative offering for those who cannot afford a lamb: "But if he cannot afford a lamb, he may bring to the LORD two turtledoves or two young pigeons as a penalty for his sin—one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering." This provision highlights the dove's accessibility and importance in the sacrificial system. Symbolism The dove is rich in symbolic meaning throughout Scripture. In Genesis 8:8-12, Noah sends out a dove to determine if the floodwaters have receded. The dove returns with an olive leaf, signaling the restoration of peace and the end of God's judgment. This imagery of peace is echoed in the New Testament, where the Holy Spirit descends like a dove at Jesus' baptism (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." Dietary Use While the primary biblical focus on doves is their symbolic and sacrificial roles, their classification as clean birds implies their suitability for consumption. The dietary laws in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 outline the criteria for clean animals, and the absence of doves from the list of prohibited birds suggests their acceptance as food. This practical aspect complements their spiritual significance, providing sustenance for the Israelites in accordance with God's commandments. Conclusion The dove's multifaceted role in the Bible, as a clean animal, sacrificial offering, and symbol of peace and the Holy Spirit, reflects its deep spiritual and practical significance. Its presence in both Old and New Testament narratives underscores its enduring importance in the biblical tradition. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 14:11Of all clean birds you shall eat. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Whether a Suitable Cause Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies which ... Chapter viii The Survival of the Fittest. A Compendious view of the Christian Life. Index of Subjects. Epistle Lxxv. To Magnus, on Baptizing the Novatians, and those who ... Letter Lxvi. To Pammachius. Oration on the Holy Lights. On Baptism. Chapter vi Resources Why did Noah release a raven? Why did he later release a dove (Genesis 8)? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is the dove often used as a symbol for the Holy Spirit? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16)? | GotQuestions.org Dove: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Dove of Converts to the Church The Dove of the Meekness of Christ The Dove: (In Its Flight) of the Return of Israel from Captivity The Dove: Characterised by Comeliness of Countenance The Dove: Characterised by Richness of Plumage The Dove: Characterised by Simplicity The Dove: Characterised by Softness of Eyes The Dove: Characterised by Sweetness of Voice The Dove: Clean and Used As Food The Dove: Frequents Streams and Rivers The Dove: Impiously Sold in the Court of the Temple The Dove: Mournful Tabering of, Alluded To The Dove: Offered in Sacrifice The Dove: Sent from the Ark by Noah The Dove: The Harbinger of Spring The Dove: Why Considered the Emblem of Peace Turtle Dove: Burnt offering of Turtle Dove: Harmlessness of, Typical of Christ's Gentleness Turtle Dove: Market For, in the Temple Turtle Dove: Prescribed for Purification of Lepers Turtle Dove: Prescribed for Purification of Nazarites Turtle Dove: Prescribed for Purification of Women Turtle Dove: Sacrificial Uses of Turtle Dove: Sent out from the Ark by Noah Turtle Dove: Sin offering, for Those Who Touched Any Dead Body Turtle Dove: Symbolical of the Holy Spirit Turtle Dove: Trespass offering of, for the Impecunious Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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