Category:Dove

---excerpt from the Illustrated Bible Dictionary.

Dove - In their wild state doves generally build their nests in the clefts of rocks, but when domesticated "dove-cots" are prepared for them (Song of Songs 2:14; Jeremiah 48:28; Isaiah 60:8). The dove was placed on the standards of the Assyrians and Babylonians in honor, it is supposed, of Semi-ramis (Jeremiah 25:38; Vulg., "fierceness of the dove;" compare Jeremiah 46:16; Jeremiah 50:16). Doves and turtledoves were the only birds that could be offered in sacrifice, as they were clean according to the Mosaic law (Genesis 15:9; Leviticus 5:7; Leviticus 12:6; Luke 2:24). The dove was the harbinger of peace to Noah (Genesis 8:8, Genesis 8:10). It is often mentioned as the emblem of purity (Psalms 68:13). It is a symbol of the Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:2; Matthew 3:16; Mark 1:10; Luke 3:22; John 1:32); also of tender and devoted affection (Song of Songs 1:15; Song of Songs 2:14). David in his distress wished that he had the wings of a dove, that he might fly away and be at rest (Psalms 55:6). There is a species of dove found at Damascus "whose feathers, all except the wings, are literally as yellow as gold" (Psalms 68:13).

See also: Category:Holy Spirit Category:Annunciation Category:Baptism of Christ Category:Descent of the Holy Spirit Category:Pentecost