Genesis8_8-12

Genesis 8:8-12

Also he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground;

But the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot, and she returned unto him into the ark, for the waters were on the face of the whole earth: then he put forth his hand, and took her, and pulled her in unto him into the ark.

And he stayed yet other seven days; and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark;

And the dove came in to him in the evening; and, lo, in her mouth was an olive leaf pluckt off: so Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the earth.

And he stayed yet other seven days; and sent forth the dove; which returned not again unto him any more.

Noah sent a dove out of the ark three times to see whether the waters had abated from the face of the ground. On the third occasion, the dove did not return to him anymore after being sent forth. There were many different birds in the ark, so why did Noah choose a dove to examine the condition of the waters? In Scripture, the dove represents meekness and purity, being guileless (Matthew 10:16). The New Testament also declares that the Spirit of God descended like a dove (Matthew 3:16). Therefore, the dove is closely associated with the Spirit of God. In the end, the dove gave the correct sign that the waters had abated, unlike the raven, which went out and did not return.

From this scene, there is a spiritual illustration for us. The living creatures and the earth were judged by the waters, representing a state of condemnation outside the ark. Noah and the other creatures inside the ark symbolized those who belonged to God Elohim. Therefore, if a person who belongs to God Elohim desires to do something or visit a certain place, he must first discern whether that place is under God’s judgment. He should use his spirit—like the dove—to examine the situation. If the place is still covered by the waters of judgment, he should wait another seven days until his spirit feels at peace, especially when he perceives signs of new life, like an olive leaf.

Only then can he go to that place or undertake that task with peace, just as the dove did not return. The olive leaf represents new life in the Spirit. It reminds us that certain spiritual signs in a place or situation indicate God’s permission for us. If there is no response in your spirit regarding something or somewhere, it means you must wait. It is like the dove that could not find rest for the sole of her foot. Therefore, return to your ark and wait for the right time.

This is not merely a scene of a dove checking the waters, but also a spiritual guidance for God’s believers.