Genesis 8:8

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

Also he sent forth {H7971} a dove {H3123} from him, to see {H7200} if the waters {H4325} were abated {H7043} from off the face {H6440} of the ground {H127};

Then he sent out a dove, to see if the water had gone from the surface of the ground.

Then Noah sent out a dove to see if the waters had receded from the surface of the ground.

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

Commentary

Commentary on Genesis 8:8 (KJV)

Genesis 8:8 describes a pivotal moment in the biblical account of Noah's Ark and the Great Flood. After the raven was sent out and did not return immediately (Genesis 8:7), Noah dispatches a dove, seeking a clearer sign that the devastating floodwaters had receded enough for life to resume on dry land. This act highlights Noah's patient and methodical approach to discerning God's timing for leaving the ark.

Context

This verse is situated during the post-flood period, approximately 150 days after the waters had covered the earth and 74 days after the ark had come to rest on the mountains of Ararat. Noah had already opened the window of the ark and sent out a raven, which flew back and forth but did not bring definitive news of dry ground. The sending of the dove is Noah's second attempt to gauge the state of the earth, demonstrating his reliance on observation and patience as he awaited God's command to disembark.

Key Themes

  • Patience and Perseverance: Noah's actions illustrate profound patience. He waited for months for the waters to recede and then systematically tested the conditions outside the ark, not rushing the process. This patience is a testament to his faith in God's plan and timing.
  • Hope and Anticipation: The dove, in this context, becomes a symbol of hope. Noah's repeated sending of the bird reflects his yearning for a new beginning and the restoration of life on earth after such widespread destruction.
  • Divine Guidance and Human Observation: While God ultimately directs Noah, this passage shows Noah actively seeking signs and using his judgment to understand the environment. He is not merely passive but an engaged participant in the process of waiting for God's next instruction.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "abated" is qalal, which literally means "to be light," "to be swift," or "to be trifling." In this context, it signifies a lessening or lightening of the waters, implying a significant reduction in their depth and coverage. The "dove" (Hebrew: yonah) is often associated with purity and peace in biblical literature, setting it apart from the raven previously sent.

Practical Application

The account of Noah sending the dove offers timeless lessons. It reminds us of the importance of patience during periods of waiting or uncertainty, especially when we are seeking clarity or a new direction in life. Like Noah, we may need to make repeated efforts and observations, trusting that God is at work even when circumstances seem bleak. The eventual return of the dove with an olive leaf in its mouth (Genesis 8:11) would become a powerful symbol of renewed hope and God's faithfulness in bringing about restoration after trials, pointing towards the promise of a future where God will wipe away every tear.

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Cross-References

  • Song Of Solomon 2:14 (3 votes)

    ¶ O my dove, [that art] in the clefts of the rock, in the secret [places] of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet [is] thy voice, and thy countenance [is] comely.

  • Genesis 8:10 (2 votes)

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

  • Genesis 8:12 (2 votes)

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

  • Song Of Solomon 2:11 (2 votes)

    For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over [and] gone;

  • Song Of Solomon 2:12 (2 votes)

    The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing [of birds] is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;

  • Matthew 10:16 (2 votes)

    Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

  • Song Of Solomon 1:15 (2 votes)

    Behold, thou [art] fair, my love; behold, thou [art] fair; thou [hast] doves' eyes.