Animals of the Bible · Sky · Birds
The Dove for Sacrifice
The Dove for Sacrifice — a wonderful creature of Scripture and of the Bible world
Discovered in your collection
- Key verse
- Luke 2:24
- Where it lived
- The “sky” habitat in the Bible lands: the valleys and hills of the Holy Land
- What it reminds us of
- The Dove for Sacrifice in Scripture
Stories from Scripture
The Dove for Sacrifice in the stories of the Bible
People of faith
The Dove for Sacrifice in Scripture
“And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” When Jesus was born, Mary and Joseph brought the offering of the humble to the Temple, showing that the Savior was born into a lowly family.
Luke 2:24The prophets and the wise
What the Bible teaches about the dove for sacrifice
God asked for a dove at the holy covenant with Abraham, the clean bird being a symbol of reconciliation, of innocence and of the bond of peace between people and the Creator.
Genesis 15:9
Wonders of Creation
Did you know?
In Israel, the dove was the offering allowed for the poor who could not afford a lamb; God valued the faithful heart of the one who brought two doves just as much.
In Bible times, the dove for sacrifice was part of the everyday scenery of the lands of the ancient East.
Every feature of this creature shows the order and care of the Creator for all the living things on earth.
From the Holy Scriptures
What do we read in the Bible about the dove for sacrifice?
24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
9 And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.
Verses are quoted from the King James Version (KJV). Read each passage in the context of its chapter in the Bible.
What the dove for sacrifice teaches us
The Dove for Sacrifice in Scripture
The dove was the offering of the poor in Israel — instead of a lamb, those without means brought two doves. When Joseph and Mary presented Jesus at the Temple, they brought this humble offering (Luke 2:24). Jesus identified with the lowly, showing that the offering of a sincere heart is always welcome to God.
How we can live this out today
Look at nature and thank God for the care He gives to every creature, big or small!
Mini-Quiz
What did you learn about the dove for sacrifice?
In which book of the Bible do we find references to the dove for sacrifice?
For parents and children
At home and in Sunday school
A question for parents and children
What can we learn from the way God takes care of the animals in nature? How does the Bible show us His love for us?
“Lord, thank You for the wonderful world You made and for Your care every day. Teach me to love Your creation and to follow You with a thankful heart! Amen.”