Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

DOVE

A small bird widely domesticated in biblical times and of the family Columbidae. The dove is Noah’s messenger, signaling the Flood’s end (Heb. yônâ; Gen. 8:8-12), and is a representation of the Holy Spirit at Jesus’ baptism (Gk. peristerá); Matt. 3:16; Mark 1:10; Luke 3:22; John 1:32). Metaphorically, the dove is used to describe human mourning (Isa. 38:14; 59:11) and beauty (Cant. 5:12), and is a term of endearment (Cant. 2:14; 5:2; 6:9). Hiding, especially in rocks or cliffs, is an attribute of the dove (Cant. 2:14; Jer. 48:28). The Hebrew term is onomatopoeic; its root ynh (“the sound of rain”) evokes the dove’s mourning call (Ezek. 7:16; Nah. 2:7). It is the same as the proper name Jonah.

“Doves’ dung” is named as food during time of famine (2 Kgs. 6:25), which sounds as unappetizing as the donkey’s head mentioned there. However, doves’ dung probably refers to some kind of bulbous root or cheap vegetable (NIV “seed pots”; NJB “wild onions”).

English translations render the term “young pigeons” in regard to sacrifice. Young pigeons or turtledoves (tôr) are offered as sin and burnt offerings (Lev. 14:22, 30; 15:14, 29) and are noted as acceptable substitutes for sheep for the poor (5:7; 14:22). The parents of Jesus make such a sacrifice on the occasion of their son’s birth (Luke 2:23-24), in accordance with levitical law (Lev. 12:8).

Bibliography. D. C. Allison, Jr., “The Baptism of Jesus and a New Dead Sea Scroll,” BARev 18/2 (1992): 58-60; A. J. Hauser, “Jonah: In Pursuit of the Dove,” JBL 104 (1985): 21-37.

Lisa M. Wolfe

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

DOVE

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)