15 Unique Facts about Doves in the Bible
Table of Contents
15 Unique Facts about Doves in the Bible
- The dove is the symbol of the Holy Spirit in the Bible. In Genesis 1:2, when God created the world, “a wind from God swept over the face of the waters,” , representing the Spirit of God.
- Noah sent out a dove from the ark after the flood. In Genesis 8:8-12, Noah released a dove from the ark to find out if the waters had subsided. When the dove returned with an olive branch in its beak, it was a sign that the flood was over.
- Doves were used in sacrifices. In Leviticus 5:7 and 12, a dove was one of the offerings that could be given as a sin offering.
- The dove was a symbol of purity and innocence. In Psalm 68:13, it says that “the wings of a dove are covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold.” This symbolized the purity and innocence of the dove.
- Doves were used to bring messages. In 1 Kings 17:22, Elijah sent a dove to bring a message to the widow of Zarephath.
- Doves were a symbol of peace. In Isaiah 60:8, it says “all the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee: they shall come up with acceptance on mine altar, and I will glorify the house of my glory.” This is a symbol of the peace that will come when the Lord is exalted.
- Doves were a symbol of mourning. In Jeremiah 48:28, it says “O ye that dwell in Moab, leave the cities, and dwell in the rock, and be like the dove that maketh her nest in the sides of the hole’s mouth.” This is a symbol of mourning for those that dwell in Moab.
- Doves were a symbol of grace. In Hosea 11:11, it says “they shall tremble as a bird out of Egypt, and as a dove out of the land of Assyria: and I will place them in their houses, saith the Lord.” This is a symbol of the grace and mercy of God.
- Doves were a symbol of purity. In Song of Solomon 2:14, it says “O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely.” This is a symbol of the purity of the dove.
- Doves were a symbol of comfort. In Matthew 10:16, Jesus said “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” This is a symbol of the comfort that comes from knowing that Jesus is with us in our struggles.
- Doves were a symbol of the Holy Spirit. In John 1:32, when Jesus was baptized, it says “And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove.” This is a symbol of the Holy Spirit that descended upon Jesus.
- Doves were a symbol of hope. In Luke 3:22, it says “And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.” This is a symbol of hope that the Lord is ever-present and with us in our lives.
- Doves were a symbol of new life. In Acts 11:19, it says “Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.” This is a symbol of the new life that the Lord brings to us through his word.
- Doves were a symbol of the resurrection. In Revelation 19:13, it says “And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.” This is a symbol of the resurrection of Jesus, when he came back from the dead.
- Doves were a symbol of peace and joy. In Isaiah 55:12, it says “For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” This is a symbol of the peace and joy that comes when the Lord is exalted.
