THE DOVE
THE DOCILE CREATURE OF THE SKY
BY: ELISABETH C. TUNSTALL
INTRODUCTION
✤ Quite opposite of the raven, the dove is viewed as an endearing bird with a strong association with love and peace in today’s world. When people think of doves, they typically think of the beautiful all-white dove.
However, there are a variety of doves that come in different colors and patterns some including the mourning dove, the turtle dove, spotted dove, and the zebra dove, all of which are a part of the bird family called Columbidae, the same species that pigeon birds fall under.
ZEBRA DOVE
TURTLE DOVE
SPOTTED DOVE
DOVE FACTS
✤ Therefore, doves and pigeons are often considered one in the same. There are approximately 300 species of doves and pigeons with 15 of those species existing in the United States. Doves are found in just about every place on the earth, excluding areas of extreme temperatures such as the Sahara Desert or Antarctica. You will find them in forests and woodlands, out in the country or the big city, meaning they are highly adaptable birds that can fit in wherever they can find food.
DOVE FACTS
✤ The dove and pigeon have very similar features including thick and round bodies with short necks and thin beaks. Doves, though, are generally of a smaller stature while pigeons are often larger and stubbier. Doves and pigeons vary significantly in size, ranging from 5.9 to 29.5 inches in length and weighing from 0.066 lbs to 4.4 lbs. Wingspans range from 17 to 19 inches.
DOVE FACTS
✤ Doves and pigeons are omnivores. Their diets consist of grains, seeds, greens, berries, fruits, and will occasionally eat insects, snails and earthworms. Both male and female doves make high-pitch coo sounds, that contain 1 to 13 rising notes.
ZEBRA DOVE
TURTLE DOVE
DOVE INTELLIGENCE
✤ Contrary to popular belief, these birds are highly intelligent though not as smart as the raven. Studies reveal they can recognize themselves in the mirror and differentiate between different people in photographs. They can even be taught all 26 letters of the alphabet! Personality wise, they are known to be gentle, meek, docile, calm and peaceful. They enjoy social interaction with humans and don’t typically bite, making them good pets.
HOLY SPIRIT
✤ Spiritually, when thinking of the dove, we always think of the Holy Spirit. This is because the Spirit was described as such when Christ was baptized. Matthew 3: 16, “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:”
HOLY SPIRIT
✤ When we pray to God the Father and ask for the Holy Spirit, he will descend upon us as he did with Christ. The Holy Spirit often will come to us as a soft, gentle and still voice that will convince us of righteousness, bringing to remembrance the word of Christ so that we might be saved.
NOAH & THE DOVE
✤ I again bring you to the story of Noah, (Genesis 8: 6-12). The bible actually first references the dove specifically in this lesson. We know that Noah sent the dove outside the ark after the raven. He sent the dove twice. The first time, the dove was not able to find any rest for its feet because the water had yet to recede so it returned back to the ark. Seven days later Noah sent the dove out again. When it returned it brought back an olive branch.
OLIVE BRANCH
✤ There is spiritual significance with this olive branch. People often say when you extend an olive branch it is peace and good tidings but there is more to it than that. An olive branch produces olive oil, which is known for it is medicinal and healing properties. Olive oil contains monounsaturated fatty acids. Fatty acids in olive oil are said to decrease cholesterol levels and have antiinflammatory effects. Olive oil is commonly used in foods. As medicine, people most often use olive oil for heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. It also works wonders for your hair and skin. Research reveals that olive oil can even reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
HOLY SPIRIT HEALS
✤ So when the dove brought the olive branch back to Noah, it points to healing that the Holy Spirit brings to us when we receive him. How does he heal us? He heals us first inwardly by bringing us to Jesus Christ and teaching us his word.
STARTING AT THE HEART
✤ You see, when sin crept in, there was a breach made between mankind and God. We are sick and corrupted with sin and death. We all need to be healed before we can see our heavenly family. So the Spirit begins the healing process first in our hearts. He removes the stony layers and reveals a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 11: 19, “And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:”.
STARTING AT THE HEART
✤ Why must he start at the heart? Because this is where our true desires lie, (Matthew 6: 21). The heart is at the center and core of who a person is. If the truth is not in your heart then you will never be sincere or obey God. And without obedience you are unable to prepare for the outward healing, which is the gift of immortality.
DOVE SYMBOLIZES CHRIST
✤ Throughout my studies, I recently learned that the dove not only represents the Holy Spirit but Christ as well. Recall the scripture in Songs of Solomon 5: 12 where it stated, “His eyes are as the eyes of doves by the rivers of waters, washed with milk, and fitly set.”
DOVE SYMBOLIZES CHRIST
✤ This was talking about Christ. Why would it say that? It wasn’t merely because the words were beautiful and poetic in nature. It was meant to help convey or define the characteristics and traits of Christ. Just as the dove is meek, gentle and peaceable, Christ possesses all of these traits.
DOVE SYMBOLIZES CHRIST
✤ Remember, another name for Christ is Prince of Peace. Israel 9: 6, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” An all-white dove also symbolizes purity because of its white color. Christ is pure and without sin.
I Peter 2: 21-22, “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:”
HOLY SPIRIT & CHRIST
✤ During his sermon on the mount, he gave us the testimonies, which included the spirit of meekness, spirit of pureness and the spirit of peace, teaching us to be like him, (Matthew 5: 5 & 8 -9). In fact, the word instructs us to be harmless, demonstrating the likeness to that of a dove.
Matthew 10: 16, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves."
HOLY SPIRIT & CHRIST
✤ Considering how closely Christ and the Holy Spirit work together to save their children, it is no surprise that they would share the same symbol. They are in fact one with each other, God the Father as well as the Mothers of the Universe.
IN CONCLUSION
✤ I pray that you feel as enlightened as I do by this series, “Healing in His Wings.” What I have learned is that there is certainly more than what meets the eyes, God does nothing by chance and he uses his creation to help give us clarity on who he is and how he will save us. Each of these birds, that of the eagle, raven and dove share a portion of who God is, for he is manifold in nature with no boundaries or constraints. And he will use his great power to save us and to heal us both inwardly and outwardly. I look forward to this healing as I know all of us do. May God be with each of you. Amen.
