5. The Dove – Bird of Salvation

“Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves’ eyes”

(Song of Solomon 1:15)

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We have already learned about the need to truly believe in God. The vulture with its far-seeing eye showed us what it is to look to Jesus Christ by faith. But why is this so vital for us? What is the benefit we receive by trusting in Christ? In a single word, salvation. “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else” (Isa.45:22).

Salvation is the chief concern of the Bible and it should be our great concern too. It is very easy to let other matters get in the way. When we are young there are so many things to learn, to see and to do. Our hearts are filled with hopes and dreams. We make our plans for the future. But what of our souls? Life is very brief and we will soon be in eternity. Are your sins forgiven? Are you saved?

There is a bird in the Bible which can teach us lessons about salvation. It is not a bird renowned for its size or strength or splendid colours yet it is valuable all the same, for it signifies some important spiritual things. Let us take a look at the dove.

Doves are very similar to pigeons but are generally smaller. They are found in various types of country, feeding mainly on seeds and grain in the fields. As well as the wild birds people have also kept flocks of doves in special houses or ‘dovecotes’. These birds often have the pure white feathers which we associate with the dove.

We see that the dove is linked with peace. We first meet this bird when Noah is waiting to leave the ark after the Flood. He sends out a dove which eventually returns with an olive leaf in its beak (Gen.8:11). This meant that the waters had gone back and it would soon be safe for Noah and his family to return to the land. Life had begun again.

Do you know that there is a fearful flood which threatens mankind now? The deadly waters of divine wrath will one day overwhelm us in judgment upon our sin. But is there an olive branch for us today? Yes! The gospel is an olive branch sent from God, carried in the mouths of preachers. It tells us that Jesus has “made peace through the blood of his cross” (Col.1:20) and we are safe only if we trust in him. Then we will enjoy peace with God. For believers the waters of wrath are dried up, never to return again.

Next the dove is a symbol of the church. There is a book in the Bible called the Song of Solomon. It is very precious to believers because it tells us about the love that Christ has for his church. He says of her: “Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves’ eyes” (1:15); and, “sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely” (2:14). What does Jesus see in his believing people to admire?

He sees harmlessness. The eye of the dove is beautiful in its appearance. There is no guile or any other evil in it. So true Christians are “harmless as doves” (Matt.10:16) in the purity of their lives. He also sees gentleness. What bird can rival the dove for its soft, soothing voice and mild character? So we learn to “speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle” (Tit.3:2). And he sees faithfulness. The dove pairs for life and is very attached to its mate. So believers are careful to keep Jesus as their “first love” (Rev.2:4).

Salvation comes from the love of God and brings us to know that love. There are times though when Christians do not sense their Saviour’s love. He seems far away. Then we are sad, like a dove which has lost its mate. “I did mourn as a dove: mine eyes fail with looking upward: O Lord, I am oppressed; undertake for me” (Isa.38:14). But this Friend will always return. He has promised, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Heb.13:5).

At other times the difficulties of living for the Lord in a hostile world seem almost too much to bear. Perhaps there is a desire to flee to a secret hiding-place. “Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest” (Psa.55:6). We are learning that salvation does not free us from every trouble in this life; we must learn instead to be content with God’s will for us and to face our foes.

Lastly the dove reminds us of the Holy Spirit. John the Baptist testified of Christ, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him” (John 1:32). Jesus was given great grace for his work of salvation and now he has great grace to give to sinners like ourselves. There is righteousness, pardon and everlasting life. Are you one of his doves?