The Story of the Rave and the Dove # 342

Genesis 8:7-9

And he sent forth a raven, which went forth to and fro, until the waters were dried up from off the earth. 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.

After the rain stopped, Noah released a raven and dove to see what each would do. They represent the two spirits with two contrary characters. They went seeking and searching for their soul desires. Like the wheat and tares, the sheep and goats, the raven and the dove have a story to tell.

The nature of the raven is to be a scavenger. They are fearless, feeding on garbage and filth without a conscience. They found rest among the flooding and decaying flesh from the flood. The raven is a symbol of death in many cultures.

Doves are clean and pure, often used as a symbol of the Holy Spirit. They relentlessly search, without compromising, for a place to rest. Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon.

Noah’s ark is a symbol of the church where people come and gather together. People come for many reasons, and having an encounter with the Lord is the main reason. A controlled environment, and because of it, the people behave accordingly. However, many disguised their identity to blend in with the crowd. Beware when appearance is more important than reality.

When Noah released them, they when on their separate ways. The raven, like a dog is turned to his own vomit again. He was satisfied feeding on the filth of the earth. Comfortable in his environment, he never returns to the ark. The dove went out, searching for a place to rest, but found nothing. He was tired and weary and returned to the ark.

The rave and the dove are two different spirits abiding in the ark. They restrain their character while in the ark, but it’s manifest when they leave. Friends, what you do outside of the ark is who you are.

SoS 1:7, 2Pt 2:22,

KJV