Wonder why did Noah send out from the ark a raven and then a dove?

Question

dig your thinking,

Answer 1

The Bible does not give a detailed explanation. However, there does seem to be logic in Noah’s course.

For 40 days and 40 nights, the earth experienced an overwhelming rainfall, causing a deluge that covered even the tops of the mountains for five months. Then “the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat.” (Genesis 7:6–8:4) Months later, after “the tops of the mountains appeared,” Noah “sent out a raven, and it continued flying outdoors, going and returning.”—Genesis 8:5, 7.

Why a raven? This bird is a strong flier, and it can subsist on a wide range of food items, including dead flesh. Noah may have sent out the raven to see whether it would return or would stay away from the ark, perhaps eating from the remnants of carcasses exposed as the waters receded and land appeared. However, the raven did not stay away. The Bible says that it returned, but it does not say that it returned to Noah. Perhaps it came back to rest on the ark between flights to find food floating on the still-prevailing waters.

Later, Noah chose to send out a dove. We read: “The dove did not find any resting-place for the sole of its foot, and so it returned to him into the ark.” (Genesis 8:9) This suggests that in its own way, the dove could serve in determining whether the floodwaters had abated. Doves manifest considerable trust of humans. Noah could expect that the dove would return, not just to rest on the ark, but to Noah himself.

It is said that doves rest only on dry ground, are known to fly low in valleys, and feed on vegetation. (Ezekiel 7:16) Grzimek’s Animal Life Encyclopedia notes: “As is true of all pigeons and doves eating seeds and nuts, there is difficulty in feeding when snow [or water] cover persists more than a day, most of their potential food being on the ground surface.” So the dove might bring back to Noah some evidence that it had found dry ground or sprouting plants. The first time that Noah sent it out, the dove simply returned to him in the ark. The second time, the dove came back with an olive leaf. The third time, it did not return, giving evidence that it was possible and safe for Noah to leave the ark.—Genesis 8:8-12.

Answer 2

Good question. Ravens usually fly alone, not in groups. They tend to travel over a fairly wide area as well, like many hawks do. And, they are relatively intelligent.

Doves, on the other hand, like the company of other doves. They also have an innate homing ability, and can navigate well. They will usually return to their home after circling around for a bit and getting their bearings.

So, I would presume that Noah sent the raven first because it would be more likely to find a place to rest--but then, if it didn't come back, it might not be a guarantee that the ground nearby was ready for deboarding. The dove, even if the ground was ready, would likely return, or at least stay nearby if it found a resting place.

Answer 3

Some people consider the raven to represent evil and the dove represents good. But since God was on the ark as well, He would not have allowed satan to be on it too.

The raven was the first bird Noah sent forth from the ark, following the flood. He may have selected the raven for several reasons... It can fly without rest for long spans of time. Also the raven makes it's home in the rocky crags and thus it would scout out mountain peaks, emerging from the flooded earth. Finally, the raven is a resorceful bird with a remarkable memory.

God sent ravens to sustain Elijah by the brook Cherith. Ravens often store surplus food beneath leaves or in rocky crevices. Although ravens have often been viewed as birds of evil omen, in the Elijah story, they serve as symbols of God's love for His servant, and His mighty sovereignty over nature.

In the bible the dove is referred to gentle, faithful, loyal, and was mentioned by all four of the gospels as "the spirit of God descending like a dove upon Jesus after His baptism" . For those who could not afford a lamb, the law prescribed that two turtle doves or pigeons be offered for the sacrifice for the purification after child birth. Doves, turtle doves, and pigeons are basically are all the same.

Answer 4

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RE:
Wonder why did Noah send out from the ark a raven and then a dove?
dig your thinking,

Answer 5

Think of the raven as merely a scout, especially when you consider the text (context). The raven it appears did a lot of traveling (to and fro) of the area. From the verse we know that the dove went out (found no place to land) and returned and then seven day's was sent again and came back with an olive branch.The succeeding trip the dove never returned.

Answer 6

A raven is a scavenger, and would have had much to eat, after the flood.

The dove subsists on seeds and small insects, which would have been around in abundance, a bit later.

Answer 7

Knowing people as I do.. Noah's Ark may have been camoflage--to supply a secret army../ Kangaroo's..?? Since they are right in your backyard--I'd say Yes.. Noah did appreciate--Kangaroo's../

Answer 8

perhaps this is symbolic of good and evil in that the Raven is a bird of darkness and mischievous were as the Dove is light and docile.

Answer 9

They had already eaten the flying Unicorns. It is reported in the newly discovered lost writings of Noah that, "they were delicious.".

Answer 10

Because Noah was going blind and it was an accident. Dont forget he was like 601 years old.