The Holy Spirit in the form of a dove

[Gail]

Where did the idea of the Holy Spirit coming down in the form of a dove come from? Like, why did He choose that manifestation?

There is no record in the Old Testament of the Holy Spirit appearing in the form of a dove or any animal.

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

maybe this is a dumb idea, but perhaps the dove that Noah sent out was the Holy Spirit incognito... kinda nice to imagine that they might actually have had one of the godhead onboard with them during the flood...

[LynnDel]

Matthew 3:16 -- The verse says the Holy Spirit descended on him as a dove. Perhaps it was just a light, or perhaps it did look like a bird, but you can certainly see how the idea of a dove got started.

[Gail]

Yes, I have seen the thought of Noah and the dove before.

And LynnDel, yes, I can!

[debbym]

when a bird alights, from flight, it is gentle with perfect balance.  

 

yes the word dove is there, but it is "like a dove".  not in the very form of a dove.

 

doves were used for the sacrifices as were lambs.  Jesus was harmless as a dove and pure as a lamb.  Animals were used to draw comparisons.

 

just as animals are used to describe people, stubborn as a ox, strong as a horse, eating like a pig.

 

because these are word pictures we immediately understand.

[thx4mercy]

when a bird alights, from flight, it is gentle with perfect balance.  

 

 

Gentle...perfect balance......nice.