6) The Dove
The Placid Peacemaker
During the Second World War, carrier or homing pigeons (with the ability to return home after travelling
great distances) were sent from war-torn Europe to England bearing extremely important military
messages which saved lives; but this was not the first time that the pigeon or dove—the most-mentioned
bird in the Bible—had brought important messages to man.
In the very first bird-story of the Bible Noah sent out a dove from the ark ‘to see if the water had receded
from the surface of the ground’ (Genesis 8: 8). Eventually the dove did not return ‘empty billed’ but
carried to Noah an olive-leaf—the abiding symbol of peace ever since but to Noah a message that in the
valleys (where the olive trees grow) the earth was drying out after the flood. However, it is interesting to
note that Noah still waited for God to tell him when it was safe to leave the ark. He didn’t lean on his
own understanding or the things of providence alone—in all our ways we must wait upon God whose
timing is perfect. (Genesis 8: 13-16.)
Noah’s choice of the dove was a good one because:

The dove has exceptionally long wings and thereby has a rapid flight—an average 60 mph over
distances (‘Oh that I had wings like a dove.’ Psalm 55: 6.)

The dove’s homing ability enabled it to find its way back to the ark
These attributes led to the development of the domesticated racing pigeon.

More than 500,000 pigeon fanciers in Britain own an estimated 10 million racing pigeons.
Selective breeding means that birds can be exchanged for large sums of money. In January 1976
one pigeon was bought for £10,500!
How different this is from the situation in the Bible when young pigeons and Turtle Doves were used for
sacrifice because everyone could afford them! Therefore, the Ceremonial Law of God shows great
humanity in making provision for the poor (Leviticus 14: 30). The Old Testament sacrificial system
looked forward to the only real sacrifice: The Lamb of God (Jesus Christ) who takes away the sins of the
world and makes peace possible between God and man. (John 1: 29; Romans 5: 10; Hebrews 10: 4-14.)
Jesus sends His Church out into the world with God’s message of peace—the Gospel:
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not
perish but have eternal life.”
In carrying out this work Christians need to be as doves (Matthew 10: 16) displaying: innocence, love,
purity, gentleness, lowliness, swift action and willing sacrifice—all qualities symbolised by the dove’s
placid nature. Christians, in displaying such qualities, bring the ‘olive-branch’ of God's love to a sinful
world.