Why Did Noah Send Out the Dove Instead of Any Other Fowl?

The legendary tale of the Great Flood and Noah’s Ark has captivated human imagination for centuries. A critical part of this narrative is the sequence of bird releases by Noah to determine if the land was suitable for disembarkation. According to the Book of Genesis, Noah first sent a raven (Genesis 8:6-7) and later a dove (Genesis 8:8-12). The story has evolved and been referenced variously in different literary works, ranging from ancient epics to contemporary texts. Let’s dive into the reasons behind Noah choosing a dove for the second release.

The Order of Bird Releases

Before the dove, Noah dispatched a raven, which could not provide the information he needed. In Genesis 8:6-7, we read, ‘He waited another fourteen days and sent the raven back out. But the raven did not return because there was water all over the Earth.’ Thus, the raven, despite its tenacity, did not return with any sign of vegetation or dry ground.

Understanding the sequence, we turn to the dove. Noah sent out the dove three times to check the land and air conditions. The first time (Genesis 8:8), the dove came back without any leaf, suggesting that no land had appeared. For the second time (Genesis 8:9), the dove returned with an olive leaf, indicating the presence of land. Finally, the dove did not return because it found a new place to live (Genesis 8:12).

The Bird Symbolism in Ancient Literature

It is important to note that the idea of releasing birds to check conditions for safety after a deluge is not unique to the story of Noah. In the legend of Utnapishtim from the Epic of Gilgamesh, a similar sequence of events occurs (circa 1500 BCE). Utnapishtim releases a dove, a swallow, and a raven, each time with different results. The dove and swallow return, while the raven does not, suggesting that the floodwaters have receded and land has surfaced.

The story of Noah in the Bible also has its roots in earlier myths. The scribe responsible for copying the flood story of Gilgamesh was likely influenced by the earlier narrative. However, the Bible story takes on a distinctive religious element, as seen in the symbolism attributed to the dove.

The Dove’s Role and Symbolism

Interestingly, the dove symbolizes peace and divine approval in the Biblical narrative. For instance, at Jesus’ baptism, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in the form of a dove (Matthew 3:16-17). This parallels the role of the dove in Noah’s story as a messenger from God signaling that it was safe to leave the ark.

By choosing a dove, Noah was looking for a sign of divine permission and assurance that the land was habitable. The dove, being a small, gentle bird, suited this role as it represented God’s gentleness and his provision of life. The dove returned with an olive leaf, symbolizing new life, growth, and the sparing of humanity from total destruction. The absence of the dove for the third time signifies that the bird found a new, better place, indicating that the land was indeed suitable for habitation.

Why Did Noah Choose the Dove?

Noah knowing the ways of birds and understanding their behavior chose the dove. It was not only because the dove was an accepted Divine messenger, as its counterpart the raven was seen as an earthly creature, but also due to its gentle and trusting nature. The dove represents a gentle bird that is closely associated with peace and the divine.

Further Reflections

The choice of the dove by Noah for the second release is more than just a practical decision. It encapsulates a rich tapestry of symbolic meaning rooted in tradition, religion, and human psychology. Through the story, we can glean insights into the themes of faith, hope, and divine providence.

In essence, Noah sent the dove because it embodied the divine approval, peace, and new beginnings that were critical for the continuation of humanity and the beginning of a new world order.