Gen 8:8-9
Noah sent a dove, too, to find dry land. We don't know
Noah's reasoning, nor do we know how much time passed between the
sending of the raven and dove. However, a few things can be taken from
these two verses.
First, as noted, it's possible know and the others were
getting a little stir crazy cooped up in the Ark The dimensions of the
Ark show that there was plenty of room for everyone - only 30%of space
was taken - but anyone who has been inside for several straight rainy
days knows it can be taxing.
Noah still used reason in choosing the birds. A raven is a
scavenger, whereas a dove is a gentler creature which would be more
likely to bring back a branch or leaf of some sort. Indeed, one could
argue that Noah thought about the raven on his own but decided after
some prayers a dove would be better. Many times, we try on our own
strength to accomplish things when we don't have the tools, the wisdom,
or other attributes of God does. We must learn to rely solely on God to
accomplish what we want and yes it is His will, He will guide us to the
right place.
Of course, it is also possible that Noah chose both birds
without consulting God. God could have allowed him to do so to show the
grace of God in protecting the birds, because we need so much of that
grace in our own lives. After all, these birds would have had to fly
around for days , with no land.
The dove and raven like different people, too. God accepts
weaker as well as stronger, note people were kept back when David
attacked around 1 Sam 30 or so because they weren't as strong, yet they
still got to partake in the spoil of victory.
Consider, too, the need for rest in the Christian walk. The
dove returned to the Ark knowing that Noah would be there to welcome it
home. In the same way, God always has arms open wide to receive us when
we are in need. Jesus tells people in Matthew 11:28-30 to give Him
their burdens, because many times things are too difficult for us. But,
we can also be sure of God's promise to always be there for us, and to
get us through anything. If God brought you to it, He can and will bring
you through it.
Finally, it's interesting that the Spirit led Moses to
write that the dove had nowhere to rest her foot. One thinks primarily
of birds as flying, but they also walk at times and so the foot is
important. Not only was this showing there was no dry ground for Noah
and the others to walk on, but that every little detail is cared about
by the Lord. That includes the walking of a bird and not just the flying
of it, even though flight is the main way for a bird to travel.
