(Anglo-Saxon: gast) The Third Person of the Blessed Trinity. He is the Spirit of the Father and of the Son and proceeds alike from Both, as from one common principle. He is the personal infinite term of the eternal act of mutual love of the Father and the Son; hence His name of Spirit or Holy Ghost, as the issue or term of God's eternal love or act of will. He is also called the Spirit of Truth, the Creator Spirit, the Sanctifier, as the gifts of creation (or recreation, or regeneration), of revelation, and of sanctification are the outpourings of God's love, and so appropriated to the Spirit of Love, though all eternal Divine effects belong to the common or united action of the Three Divine Persons. He is called Dove, as in this form He descended visibly upon Christ at the Jordan (Mark 1), the dove being a symbol of innocence and of peace. Jesus promised that the Spirit of Truth would "teach you all things and bring all things to your mind, whatsoever I shall have said to you." (John 14) See also: fruits of the Holy Ghost gifts of the Holy Ghost novena to the Holy Ghost

In Christian antiquity, a symbol and a Eucharistic vessel. As a symbol of the Holy Spirit it is specially connected with Baptism (Matthew 3). In pictures of the Annunciation it signifies the Incarnation of Our Saviour by the power of the Holy Ghost. It also symbolizes marytrdom and the Church. The dove with an olive branch was used on a sarcophagus to signify peace and hope of Resurrection; in flight, it represents the Ascension of Christ or the entrance of saints into glory. Since early medieval times the Holy Eucharist was reserved for the sick in a dove-shaped vessel suspended to the baldachino over the altar; later the dove was enclosed in a tower upon the altar. A vessel of like form was hung over the early baptisteries. In art it is the emblem of the following saints, Saint Agnes of Rome - woman with a dove holding a ring in its beak Saint Ambrose of Milan Blessed Ambrose Sansedoni of Siena - Dominican with a dove (the Holy Spirit) whispering in his ear as he preaches Saint Augustine of Hippo Saint Basil the Great - the dove is near the supernational fire that indicates descent of the Holy Spirit on Basil Saint Colman of Lindisfarne - the name Colman means dove Saint Colomba of Rieti - Dominican tertiary with a dove indicating the Holy Spirit Saint Dathus - chosen as bishop when a dove descended on him and those present took it as a sign Saint David of Wales - as proof of the truth of his preaching, a dove settled on his shoulder as he spoke Saint Devota - as her martyred body was being taken home, a storm threatened to wreck the boat; a dove emerged from her mouth, and the storm stopped Saint Dunstan of Canterbury - man writing with a dove (the Holy Spirit) nearby Saint Eulalia of Merida Pope Saint Fabian - chosen pope when a dove settled on his head and the people took it as a sign Pope Saint Gregory the Great Saint Ida of Herzfield - woman with a dove hovering over her head Saint Ivo of Kermartin - lawyer surrounded by doves (the Holy Spirit) Saint Joachim - elderly man carrying a basket of doves Saint John Chrysostom Saint Oliva Saint Oswald Saint Remigius Saint Scholastica - at her death, her brother, Saint Benedict of Nursia, saw her soul ascend to heaven as a dove Saint Teresa of Avila - Carmelite nun with a dove (the Holy Spirit) nearby while she writes Saint Thomas Aquinas - Dominican with a dove (the Holy Spirit) speaking in his ear as he writes Pope Saint Zachary - with a dove and olive branch to indicate his work as a peace maker

Names of the vessels in which the first colonists arrived in Maryland, March 25, 1634, under the leadership of Leonard Calvert, as governor, and the spiritual direction of the Jesuit chaplains Andrew White and John Altham.

TURTLE DOVE . See Dove.

It would be unnecessary to offer any observations simply on this bird, as it is in itself, but as it is made use of by the Scriptures of God, as figurative of the Holy Ghost, and also by the Lord Jesus, to denote the loveliness of his church, it merits our attention. It was in the form of a dove that the Holy Ghost descended upon the blessed Jesus at his baptism. (Matthew 13:6) And it was the dove that brought the tidings of the waters being assuaged into the ark, by the olive branch in his mouth. (Genesis 8:12) And Christ compares his church to the beauty and gentleness of the dove. (Song of Song of Solomon 2:14) And the comparison is certainly very just; for as the dove in nature is a very beautiful, and clean, and affectionate creature, so the church in grace, when washed in Christ's blood, and justified in Christ's righteousness, and made comely from the comeliness her Lord hath put upon her, is all-glorious within, and hath no spot, or blemish, but is without blame before Jesus in love. Hence, the Psalmist sweetly sings of the church—"Though she hath lain among the pots, yet shall she be like the wings of a dove, covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold." (Psalms 68:13)

1: περιστερά (Strong's #4058 — Noun Feminine — peristera — per-is-ter-ah' ) denotes "a dove or pigeon," Matthew 3:16 ; 10:16 (indicating its proverbial harmlessness); 21:12; Mark 1:10 ; 11:15 ; Luke 2:24 ("pigeons"); 3:22; John 1:32 ; 2:14,16 . 2: τρυγών (Strong's #5167 — — trugon — troo-gone' ) denotes "a turtle-dove" (from truzo, "to murmur, to coo"), Luke 2:24 .

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 Solomon 2:14 ; Jeremiah 48:28 ; Isaiah 60:8 ). The dove was placed on the standards of the Assyrians and Babylonians in honour, it is supposed, of Semiramis (Jeremiah 25:38 ; Vulg., "fierceness of the dove;" Compare Jeremiah 46:16 ; 50:16 ). Doves and turtle-doves 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 ; 12:6 ; Luke 2:24 ). The dove was the harbinger of peace to Noah (Genesis 8:8,10 ). It is often mentioned as the emblem of purity (Psalm 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 Solomon 1:15 ; 2:14 ). David in his distress wished that he had the wings of a dove, that he might fly away and be at rest (Psalm 55:6-8 ). There is a species of dove found at Damascus "whose feathers, all except the wings, are literally as yellow as gold" (68:13).

Its peculiar peaceful and gentle habit its often referred to in Scripture. A pair was offered in sacrifice by Mary at her purification (Luke 2:24 ). The pigeon and the turtle-dove were the only birds permitted to be offered in sacrifice (Leviticus 1:14 ; 5:7 ; 14:22 ; 15:14,29 , etc.). The Latin name of this bird, Turtur , Is derived from its note, and is a repetition of the Hebrew name Tor . Three species are found in Palestine, (1) the turtle-dove (Turtur auritus), (2) the collared turtle (T. risorius), and (3) the palm turtle (T. Senegalensis). But it is to the first of these species which the various passages of Scripture refer. It is a migratory bird ( Jeremiah 8:7 ; Song of Solomon 2:11,12 ). "Search the glades and valleys, even by sultry Jordan, at the end of March, and not a turtle-dove is to be seen. Return in the second week of April, and clouds of doves are feeding on the clovers of the plain. They overspread the whole face of the land." "Immediately on its arrival it pours forth from every garden, grove, and wooded hill its melancholy yet soothing ditty unceasingly from early dawn till sunset. It is from its plaintive and continuous note, doubtless, that David, pouring forth his heart's sorrow to God, compares himself to a turtle-dove" (Psalm 74:19 ).

Part of the superscription of Psalm 56:1 (NRSV; compare REB, NIV) probably a reference to the secular tune to which the psalm was to be sung. “Hind of the Dawn” ( Psalm 22:1 REB) and “Lilies” ( Psalm 45:1 NIV) are possibly other hymn tunes. An alternative explanation relates to the association of doves with the ritual of atonement. In this case the title indicates an atonement psalm. See Terebinths. KJV transliterates the Hebrew, Jonath-elem-rechokim.

See Birds .

Turtur auritus (Heb. tor ). The name is phonetic, evidently derived from the plaintive cooing of the bird. It is one of the smaller members of the group of birds which ornithologists usually call pigeons . The turtle-dove occurs first in Scripture in ( Genesis 15:9 ) In the Levitical law a pair of turtle-doves or of young pigeons are constantly prescribed as a substitute for those who were too poor to provide a lamb or a kid. The offering of two young pigeons must have been one easily within the reach of the poorest. The admission of a pair of turtle-doves was perhaps a yet further concession to extreme poverty, for they were extremely numerous, and their young might easily be found and captured by those who did not possess pigeons. In the valley of the Jordan, an allied species, the palm-dove (so named because it builds its nest in the palm tree), or Egyptian turtle-- Turtur aegyptiacus , Temm.--is by no means uncommon. It is not improbable that the palm-dove may in some measure have supplied the sacrifice in the wilderness, for it is found in amazing numbers wherever the palm tree occurs, whether wild or cultivated. From its habit of pairing for life, and its fidelity to its mate, the turtle-dove was a symbol of purity and an appropriate offering. The regular migration of the turtle-dove and its return in the spring are alluded to in ( Jeremiah 8:7 ) and Song of Solomon 2:11,12 It is from its plaintive note doubtless that David in ( Psalm 74:19 ) pouring forth his lament to God, compares himself to a turtle-dove.

Emblem of peace (Genesis 8:7-12). After God's wrath for sin had been executed upon the earth, the dove was thrice sent forth; at the first sending she found no rest for the sole of her foot until she put herself in Noah's (or "comforter") hand, and was drawn into the ark; on the second trip, she brought back the olive leaf, the earnest of the restored earth; on the third trip, she was able to roam at large, no longer needing the ark's shelter. As the raven messenger "going forth to and fro," alighting on but never entering into the ark, symbolizes the unbelieving that have "no peace," "like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest" (Isaiah 57:20-21): so the dove, in its threefold embassy, represents respectively the first return of the soul to its rest, the loving hand of Jesus; its subsequent reception of the dovelike spirit, the earnest of the final inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14); and its actual entrance finally on the new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21), where there will be no need of the arklike church to separate between the world and God's people, between the saved and unsaved, where all shall be safe and blessed forever and the church shall be co-extensive with the world. As the lamb is the emblem of the Savior, so the dove of the Holy Spirit the Comforter, because of its gentleness, tenderness, innocence, and constant love (Matthew 3:16). He changes us into His own likeness. The liquid full soft eye is the emblem of the heavenly bride's eye, through which the soul beams out (Song of Solomon 1:15). Contrast the sinner's eye (Matthew 20:15; 2 Peter 2:14). The church's unsheltered innocence in the world calls forth the prayer: "Deliver not the soul of Thy turtle dove unto the multitude of the wicked" (Psalms 74:19; Psalms 55:11). Their plaintive note symbolizes the mourning penitent (Isaiah 59:11). The change from the Egyptian bondage amidst the face blackening potteries to the freedom and beauty of Israel's theocratic state is expressed in Psalms 68:13-14, "though ye have lien (lain) among the pots yet shall ye be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold," the dove's outspread wings reflecting a golden or silver splendor according to the direction in which the sunshine falls on them, typifying the dovelike spirit of joy and peace beaming forth from the believer, once darkness, but now light in the Lord. The dove's timidity answers to the believer fleeing from sin, self, and wrath, to the refuge in the cleft Rock of ages (Song of Solomon 2:14; Jeremiah 48:28; Isaiah 26:4, margin). Its gregariousness answers to the communion of saints, all having flocked together to Christ (Isaiah 60:8); the returning Israelites shall so flock to Jerusalem, as doves in a cloud to their cotes; and the converted Gentiles to Israel. Saints must imitate its harmless simplicity (Matthew 7:16), but not its silliness (Hosea 7:11). The Israelites under God's visitation of the enemy's invasion "shall be on the mountains like doves of the valleys" (Ezekiel 7:16); as doves which usually frequent valleys mount up to the mountains when fearing the birdcatcher (Psalms 11:1), so Israel, once dwelling in the peaceful valleys, shall flee from the foe to the mountains, once the scene of their highplace idolatries, now retributively the scene of their abject flight. In Jeremiah 25:38, "because of the fierceness of the oppressor" (Hebrew: the dove), the allusion is to the Chaldaean standard, the dove, the symbol of Venus. Semiramis the queen was said to have been nourished by doves when exposed at birth, and at death to have been transformed into a dove. In 2 Kings 6:25 the "dove's dung" sold for food in the famine seems to have been a vegetable or poor grain or vetch pea, so named, that grew in the land not built upon and lying, as is common in the East, within the city. Linnaeus identified it with the Οrnithogalum umbellatum , with eatable bulbs, "the star of Bethlehem"; the color of the flowers, white mixed with green, originated the name "dove's dung," which is of like color. Keil thinks it to be a saltwort yielding alkali, Ηerba alkali . Josephus, however (B. J., 5:13, section 7), mentions literal dung having been eaten in terrible famine. The offering of a dove was the alternative permitted to those unable to afford a more costly one, an alternative adopted instead of the lamb by the Virgin mother at her purification, a proof of the poverty to which our Lord stooped at His incarnation. The sellers of doves profaned the temple court by selling doves to meet the wants of the poorer classes (John 2:13-17).

tor ; Latin, tur-tur , from imitation of its cooing note. Abraham's offering (Genesis 15:9) with a young pigeon (gozal ). A pair was the poor man's substitute for the lamb or kid, as trespass, sin, or burnt offering (Leviticus 12:6); so the Virgin mother for her purification, through poverty (Luke 2:24; 2 Corinthians 8:9). Also in the case of a Nazarite accidentally defiled by a dead body (Numbers 6:10). Owing to its being migratory and timid, the turtle was never domesticated as the pigeon; but being numerous, and building its nest in gardens, it afforded its young as an easy prey to those who did not own even pigeons. The palm dove, Τurtur Αegyptiacus , probably supplied the sacrifices in Israel's desert journey, for its nests abound in palms on oases. Its habit of pairing for life, and its love to its mate, made it a symbol of purity and so a suitable offering. Jeremiah (Jeremiah 8:7) makes its return at its proper time in spring a tacit reproof of Israel who know not the seasonable time of returning to Him when the "winter" of His wrath is past and He invites them back to the "spring" of His favor. Christ in inviting His people to gospel hopes from past legalism ("the winter is past": Matthew 4:16; 1 John 2:8; also past estrangement through sin, Isaiah 44:22; Jeremiah 50:20; 2 Corinthians 5:17) says "the voice of the turtle is heard in the land" (Song of Solomon 2:11-12). the emblem of love and so of the Holy Spirit. Love is the keynote of the new song of the redeemed (Revelation 1:5; Revelation 14:3; Revelation 19:6; Isaiah 35:10). The turtle dove represents "the congregation of God's poor" which the psalmist (Psalms 74:19) prays God not to deliver "unto the wild beasts" (Septuagint, Vulgate, Arabic), or "to the greedy host" (Maurer). The turtle marks the return of spring still more than other singing birds, for it alone unceasingly sings from morn until sunset. The Τurtur auritus abounds in Palestine; plaintive tender melancholy characterizes its note. The turtle is smaller, more slender and elegant, than the pigeon. It is also distinguished by having the tall feathers graduated in length, and forming together a wedge in shape; the first quill feather of the wing is narrow and pointed. A black band passes nearly round the neck of the collared species, which is of a pale hue. From its prevalence in N. Africa it is called the Barbary dove.

(a.) Having eyes like a dove; meekeyed; as, dove-eyed Peace.

(1): of Dive (2): (n.) A pigeon of the genus Columba and various related genera. The species are numerous. (3): (n.) A word of endearment for one regarded as pure and gentle.

DOVE, n. G. 1. The oenas, or domestic pigeon, a species of Columba. Its color is a deep bluish ash color the breast is dashed with a fine changeable green and purple the sides of the neck, with a copper color. In a wild state, it builds its nest in holes of rocks or in hollow trees, but it is easily domesticated, and forms one of the luxuries of the table. 2. A word of endearment, or an emblem of innocence. Song of Song of Solomon 2:14 .

Genesis 15:9 (c) This covenant was instituted by GOD with Abram; and the animals used in establishing the covenant were to assure Abram that though his people would be in the furnace of Egypt suffering under the lash and slavery, yet through it all the sacrifice would be effective for them, and they would be able to maintain a light for GOD through all their tribulation. Probably the various animals mentioned represent different aspects of the value of the sacrifice in the eyes of men. (See also Leviticus 12:6; Leviticus 14:22). Leviticus 1:5, Leviticus 1:10, Leviticus 1:14 (c) This small offering, the dove, may represent a small view or knowledge of CHRIST, which is often the case with some converts. They only see that JESUS saves, and they trust Him to do it. Other converts have a greater knowledge of CHRIST, the "lamb" understanding of the value of CHRIST. Others have a very large grasp of the truth when they are saved, and this is the "bullock" aspect. Psalm 74:19 (a) Asaph, the song leader for David, compares himself to this weak, powerless and defenseless bird. He desired the protecting care of the Almighty GOD because of his own weakness. Isaiah 38:14 (a) This is a type of one who is depressed, discouraged and disconsolate. Jeremiah 48:28 (b) Here is a type of one who has tried every refuge and then finally flies to CHRIST to hide under His protection and care. Matthew 3:16 (a) Here is represented the manner in which the Spirit descended. The Spirit did not look like a dove, neither did JESUS look like a sheep. The Spirit descended in great sweeping spirals as a dove descends and rests upon the ground. The passage refers only to the action and the manner in which the Spirit descended, and does not refer to the shape of the Holy Spirit for none of the persons of the Godhead are shaped like the animal with which they are compared or contrasted. (See also Mark 1:10, Luke 3:22, John 1:32). Song of Solomon 2:14 (a) Some believe that the church is referred to in this passage, and others believe that it is the Lord JESUS. It seems more likely to be the church, for the church is weak and helpless, and the rock probably represents the Lord JESUS in whom we Christians hide. (See also Song of Solomon 5:2; Song of Solomon 6:9). Hosea 7:11 (a) Ephraim is a name applied to backsliding Israel. In this passage she is compared to this poor, simple, helpless bird which is a prey to every enemy. (See also Hosea 11:11).

A Central American orchid (Peristeria elata), having a flower stem five or six feet high, with numerous globose white fragrant flowers. The column in the center of the flower resembles a dove; - called also Holy Spirit plant.

The little auk, or rotche. See Illust. of Rotche.

DOVE (περιστερά).—Its gentle nature makes the dove a frequent simile in ancient literature. Christ bids His disciples to be harmless as doves, and to unite with such gentleness a wisdom like the serpent’s (Matthew 10:16). Meyer, in loc., takes this to mean, ‘Be prudent in regard to dangers in which you are placed, quick to see and avoid dangers; and always be full of uprightness, never taking any questionable way of escape.’ As the serpent is the most cunning of the beasts of the field, so should the Lord’s disciples have wisdom to understand the subtleties of Satan; but no evil is to mix with such wisdom. Along with it there must be found a purity and simplicity of heart of which the harmless, gentle dove is the symbol. The truest wisdom for the Christian is to keep always the simplicity of the dove. A nature purified by the Spirit of Christ will have wise penetration enough to defeat all the wiles of Satan. The dove, the emblem of perfect innocence, is used (Matthew 3:16 and parallels) as a symbol of the Holy Spirit, who is the power and wisdom of God, acting on the spirits of men. When the dove appeared to sit on the Saviour’s head, it denoted the Divine recognition of His holiness (Matthew 3:17), and His official consecration to the Messianic ministry. As the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews says, ‘He was holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners’ (Matthew 7:26). It has been thought that the dove had a sacrosanct character among the Hebrews. Though it was a favourite food with some neighbouring peoples, it was not eaten in Palestine. Young pigeons and doves were offered in sacrifice, where no sacrificial meal was involved. So we find in the temple courts them that sold doves (Matthew 21:12, Mark 11:15, John 2:14; John 2:16),—no doubt for such sacrifices,—whom Christ drove out, along with the money-changers. In Palestine the dove was considered sacred by the Phœnicians and the Philistines, and the Samaritans were often accused of worshipping it. There were holy doves at Mecca; and, according to Lucian (Dea Syria, 54), doves were taboo to the Syrians; he who touched them being unclean a whole day. In Christian Art in representations of the Lord’s Baptism, the presence of the Holy Spirit is indicated by the dove. In churches in early times the figure of a dove appeared in the baptisteries, a golden or silver dove being suspended above the font. Lamps, too, were sometimes made in the form of doves. In later times pyxes were sometimes made of gold and silver in the shape of a dove, and used for the reservation of the host. Exclusive of the turtle-dove, four species of dove are found in Palestine: Columba palumbus, the ring-dove, or wood-pigeon; Columba aenas, the stock-dove, found in Gilead and Bashan and the Jordan Valley; Columba livia, the rock-dove, abundant along the coast and in the uplands; Columba schimperi, closely allied to the preceding, and found in the interior. Literature.—Hasting's Dictionary of the Bible, s.v.; Thomson, Land and Book (1878), p. 268 ff.; Expositor, 1st ser. ix. ^[1] p. 81 ff. David M. W. Laird.

Where the word 'turtle' occurs in the A.V. the 'turtle-dove' is always to be understood. They are of the family of pigeons, and are plentiful in Palestine, of which there are several species. They could easily be procured by the poorest for the offerings, and a pair of them was brought when the Lord was presented in the temple. Genesis 15:9 ; Leviticus 1:14 ; Leviticus 5:7,11 ; Leviticus 12:6,8 ; Numbers 6:10 ; Psalm 74:19 ; Jeremiah 8:7 ; Luke 2:24 . They are the harbinger of spring and when they return from their migration are a symbol of fruitfulness. Song of Solomon 2:12 . The Turtur risorius is a dove found in Palestine. See DOVE.

Dove. A clean bird in the Mosiac law sent out by Noah. Genesis 8:8; Genesis 8:12. The Hebrew word yonah includes the various varieties of doves and pigeons found in Palestine, excepting turtle-doves, called tôr. There are very many allusions to this bird, for its beauty of plumage, Psalms 68:13, its simpleness, Hosea 7:11, its harmlessness, Matthew 10:16, etc., so that it even symbolizes the Holy Spirit, the meekness, purity, and splendor of righteousness. Matthew 3:16; Mark 1:10; Luke 3:22; John 1:32. Doves are frequently domesticated in the east. Pigeons and turtle-doves might, alone of birds, be offered in sacrifice; full-grown turtle-doves in pairs, but only the young of pigeons. Leviticus 1:14; Leviticus 6:7; Leviticus 6:11; Leviticus 12:6-8. They were the offering of the poorer classes; hence made by Mary. Luke 2:24. And on this account it was that those who sold doves established themselves in the precincts of the temple. Matthew 21:12; Mark 11:15; John 2:14-16.

Dove's Dung. In the siege of Samaria by Ben-hadad, a fourth part of a cab of dove's dung was sold for five shekels. 2 Kings 6:25. Bochart supposes chick-peas here meant; but Keil, without deciding the question, produces testimony that excrement has been used for food in famine, and that the literal meaning is not impossible. Dr. Thomson considers dove's dung a coarse kind of bean. The seeds of millet are called "doves' seed" by the Hebrews, which favors the bulb or seed of some plant.

Turtle-Dove. Psalms 74:19. By the Jewish law the poor who could not afford a more costly sacrifice were permitted to bring two turtle-doves or two young pigeons. Leviticus 12:6-8. As the former are not domesticated and breed everywhere in prodigious numbers, this provision was a great boon to the needy. The outward circumstances of Christ's parents are thus indicated in Luke 2:24.

yonah , περιστερά. The well-known bird of the pigeon tribe, of which there are many species. These words are translated both 'dove' and 'pigeon.' For the turtle-dove the words tor , ατρυγών,are used, names supposed to be derived from the note of the bird. Pigeons are very common in Palestine, and if any persons were too poor to buy a pair for an offering the young could easily be caught in the holes of the rocks: thus God graciously ordered it that the poorest could obtain what was needed. There are four species of doves that inhabit Palestine: of these the most abundant is the Rock Pigeon, or Blue Rock Dove, the Columba livia. They shun the habitation of man, and live in holes in the rocks. There are three species of turtle doves known in Palestine, which are both wild and domesticated. Some may often be seen in Jerusalem. The most abundant of these is perhaps the Turtur auritus. The dove is commonly taken as the emblem of peace . the Holy Spirit descended on the Lord 'like a dove,' answering to "on earth peace, good will toward men." It is also an emblem of harmlessness: 'wise as serpents, harmless as doves.' Matthew 10:16 . In the Canticles the bridegroom three times calls the bride 'my dove,' and says she has 'doves' eyes;' she also says the latter of him. Song of Solomon 1:15 ; Song of Solomon 2:14 ; Song of Solomon 4:1 ; Song of Solomon 5:2,12 ; Song of Solomon 6:9 . Loving gentleness characterises the dove.

יונה . This beautiful genus of birds is very numerous in the east. In the wild state they generally build their nests in the holes or clefts of rocks, or in excavated trees; but they are easily taught submission and familiarity with mankind; and, when domesticated, build in structures erected for their accommodation, called "dove-cotes." They are classed by Moses among the clean birds; and it appears from the sacred as well as other writers, that doves were always held in the highest estimation among the eastern nations. Rosenmuller, in a note upon Bochart, derives the name from the Arabic, where it signifies mildness, gentleness, &c. The dove is mentioned in Scripture as the symbol of simplicity, innocence, gentleness, and fidelity, Hosea 7:11 ; Matthew 10:16 . The following extract from Morier's Persian Travels illustrates a passage in Isaiah: "In the environs of the city, to the westward, near the Zainderood, are many pigeon houses, erected at a distance from habitations, for the sole purpose of collecting pigeons' dung for manure. They are large round towers, rather broader at the bottom than the top, and crowned by conical spiracles, through which the pigeons descend. Their interior resembles a honey-comb, pierced with a thousand holes, each of which forms a snug retreat for a nest. More care appears to have been bestowed upon their outside than upon that of the generality of the dwelling houses; for they are painted and ornamented. The extraordinary flights of pigeons which I have seen alight upon one of these buildings afford, perhaps, a good illustration for the passage in Isaiah 60:8 : ‘Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?' Their great numbers, and the compactness of their mass, literally look like a cloud at a distance, and obscure the sun in their passage." The first mention of the dove in the Scripture is Genesis 8:8 ; Genesis 8:10-12 , where Noah sent one from the ark to ascertain if the waters of the deluge had assuaged. She was sent forth thrice. The first time she speedily returned; having, in all probability, gone but a little way from the ark, as she must naturally be terrified at the appearance of the waters. After seven days, being sent out a second time, she returned with an olive leaf plucked off, whereby it became evident that the flood was considerably abated, and had sunk below the tops of the trees; and thus relieved the fears and cheered the heart of Noah and his family. And hence the olive branch has ever been among the fore-runners of peace, and chief of those emblems by which a happy, state of renovation and restoration to prosperity had been signified to mankind. At the end of other seven days, the dove, being sent out a third time, returned no more; from which Noah conjectured that the earth was so far drained as to afford sustenance for the birds and fowls; and he therefore removed the covering of the ark, which probably gave liberty to many of the fowls to fly off; and these circumstances afforded him the greater facility for making arrangements for disembarking the other animals. Doves might be offered in sacrifice, when those who were poor could not bring a more costly offering.

DOVE . The words translated ‘dove’ apply equally to doves and pigeons. In Palestine seven varieties of the Columbœ are found. The most noticeable are: the wood pigeons or ring-doves ( Columba palumbus ), which fly in great flocks all over the land; the turtle-dove ( Turtur communis ), a harbinger of spring, arriving in the land in April ( Jeremiah 8:7 , Song of Solomon 2:12 ); and the palm turtle-dove ( Turtur senegalensis ), which is common in a semi-domesticated state in the streets and courts of Jerusalem. ‘Dove’ is a favourite name of affection ( Song of Solomon 1:15 ; Song of Solomon 4:1 ; Song of Solomon 5:2 ; Song of Solomon 5:12 ; Song of Solomon 6:9 ), and to-day it is one of the commonest names given to girls by Eastern Jewish parents. It is typical of harmlessness ( Matthew 10:16 ), helplessness ( Psalms 74:19 ), and innocence. The last quality doubtless makes it typical of the Holy Spirit ( Matthew 3:16 etc.). Doves were used in sacrifice ( Leviticus 5:7 ; Leviticus 12:6 etc.), and have been kept as pets for long ages. E. W. G. Masterman.

Or Turtle, the Columba Turtur; a distinct bird from the common dove or pigeon, smaller and differently marked, and having a soft and plaintive note, Isaiah 59:11 Ezekiel 7:16 . It is a bird of passage, Jeremiah 8:7 , leaving Palestine for a short trip to the south, and returning early in spring, Song of Song of Solomon 2:12 . It is timid and fond of seclusion, and pines in captivity, Psalm 11:1 . The law allowed it as a burnt or sin-offering by the poor, Leviticus 1:14 5:7 Matthew 21:22 , and in several cases of purification, etc., Leviticus 12:6-8 14:22 Numbers 6:10 Luke 2:24 . Before the giving of the law, Abraham offered birds, which he divided the other victims he left the birds entire, Genesis 15:9 .

The first menton of this bird occurs in Genesis 8 . The dove's rapidity of flight is alluded to in (Psalm 55:6 ) the beauty of its plumage in (Psalm 68:13 ) its dwelling int he rocks and valleys in (Jeremiah 48:28 ) and Ezekiel 7:16 Its mournful voice in ( Isaiah 38:14 ; 59:11 ; Nahum 2:7 ) its harmlessness in (Matthew 10:16 ) its simplicity in (Hosea 7:11 ) and its amativeness in (Song of Solomon 1:15 ; 2:14 ) Doves are kept in a domesticated state in many parts of the East. In Persia pigeon-houses are erected at a distance from the dwellings, for the purpose of collecting the dung as manure. There is probably an allusion to such a custom in (Isaiah 60:8 )