Topical Bible: The Dove: Sent from the Ark by Noah

◄ The Dove: Sent from the Ark by Noah ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The dove, a symbol of peace and the Holy Spirit, plays a significant role in the narrative of Noah's Ark, as recorded in the Book of Genesis. This event is a pivotal moment in the biblical account of the Great Flood, illustrating themes of hope, renewal, and divine promise.

Biblical Account

The account of the dove is found in Genesis 8:6-12. After the floodwaters began to recede, Noah sought to determine whether the earth had become habitable again. Initially, he sent out a raven, which "kept flying back and forth until the waters had dried up from the earth" (Genesis 8:7). Following this, Noah released a dove to see if the waters had subsided.

The first time Noah sent out the dove, it returned to him, finding no place to rest its feet, as the waters still covered the earth (Genesis 8:9). After waiting seven more days, Noah sent the dove out again. This time, it returned with a freshly plucked olive leaf in its beak, signaling that the waters had receded and vegetation had begun to reappear (Genesis 8:11). This olive leaf became a symbol of peace and new beginnings. Finally, Noah waited another seven days and sent the dove out once more, but it did not return, indicating that the earth was dry and habitable (Genesis 8:12).

Symbolism and Significance

The dove's role in the Genesis narrative is rich with symbolism. In the context of the flood, the dove represents hope and the promise of new life. Its return with the olive leaf is a sign of God's mercy and the restoration of creation. The olive branch has since become an enduring symbol of peace and reconciliation.

In Christian theology, the dove is also associated with the Holy Spirit. This connection is reinforced in the New Testament, where the Holy Spirit descends "like a dove" upon Jesus during His baptism (Matthew 3:16). This imagery underscores the dove's role as a messenger of divine presence and peace.

Theological Reflections

From a theological perspective, the sending of the dove by Noah can be seen as an act of faith and trust in God's promises. Noah's reliance on the dove to discern the state of the earth reflects a deep dependence on divine guidance. The eventual return of the dove with the olive leaf serves as a tangible sign of God's covenant faithfulness, foreshadowing the covenant God would later establish with Noah and all living creatures (Genesis 9:8-17).

The narrative of the dove sent from the ark continues to inspire believers, reminding them of God's provision and the hope of renewal even after times of judgment and trial. It serves as a testament to the enduring nature of God's promises and the assurance of His peace.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 8:8,10,12
Also 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 Story of Noah and the Ark
... After Noah had waited for it awhile, he sent out a dove; but the dove could not
find any place to rest, so it flew back to the ark, and Noah took it into the ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of noah and.htm

Noah and the Great Flood
... days Noah opened the window of the ark and sent out a raven; and it kept going to
and fro until the waters were dried up on the earth. He also sent out a dove ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/noah and the great flood.htm

'Clear Shining after Rain'
... It is not said that the raven was sent out to see ... of waters, not back and forward
to and from the ark. ... The dove, on the other hand, is the emblem of gentleness ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/clear shining after rain.htm

The Great Flood.
... months the tops of the mountains were seen, and Noah sent out a raven and a dove.
The raven flew to and fro, but the dove came back into the ark, because she ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter ii the great flood.htm

Concerning the Flood; and after what Manner Noah was Saved in an ...
... go out of the ark with safety; but the raven, finding all the land still overflowed,
returned to Noah again. And after seven days he sent out a dove, to know ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 concerning the flood.htm

Here Beginneth the History of Noah
... The seventh month, the twenty-seventh day of the month, the ark rested on the hills
of Armenia. ... After this he sent out a dove which flew out, and when she ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here beginneth the history of.htm

A Treatise against the Heretic Novatian by an Anonymous Bishop.
... the dove sent forth that returned, is signified by the man who does not delay, because
he would have no rest for his feet. And Noah received it into the ark; ...
/.../a treatise against the heretic.htm

On the Coming of Our Lord in the Flesh; Its Nature and Cause.
... rendering "flew from the ark of Noah." Christophorson (according to Valesius) supposes
it to be that dove which Noah formerly sent out of the ark, this dove ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter xi on the coming of.htm

The Survival of the Fittest.
... bird are taken into the ark to provide food for Noah and his family. Seven days
the waters rose, and at intervals of seven days he sent out a raven and a dove. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/kent/the making of a nation/study iv the survival of.htm

God Being Offended by These Things, and Especially by the ...
... that the violence of the rain had ceased, and that the ark was quietly ... having settled,
as I conjecture, on the dead bodies, he then sent forth a dove. ...
/.../life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter iii god being offended.htm