Genesis 8:10Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Observe the gratitude displayed by this bird and how its return to the ark and lingering presence encouraged the righteous man to remain a while longer. Thus, it is noted that "after delaying seven days more," he "released the dove from the ark."

It is straightforward to grasp why the eternal realm is represented by the olive branch that the dove returned to the ark. Indeed, we recognize that the oil-covered surface remains untainted by contact with other substances, and the tree itself is perpetually green.

The synagogue lacks this anointing oil, as it does not possess an olive tree and is unaware of the specific dove that brought back the olive branch after the deluge. However, this dove descended upon Christ during His baptism and remained with Him, as John attests in the Scripture: "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove and remaining on Him" (John 1:32).

The dove symbolizes the Lord Himself, representing His gentle and unassuming nature. He is referred to as a dove because He instructed His followers to embody this simplicity: Be simple as doves (Matthew 10:16). The prophetic words highlight that the dove signifies Christ, particularly in reference to His ascension after enduring earthly suffering: Who would give me wings like a dove? I would fly away and be at rest (Psalm 54:7). At the moment when the Lord Christ was establishing the sacraments of the Church, a dove descended from heaven (See Matt. 3:14, Mk. 1:10, Lk. 3:22, Jn. 1:32), revealing the sacred mystery associated with the sacrament. The dove that now alights upon the Church of Christ during baptism is the same one that, during the time of the flood, emerged from Noah's ark.

Following the release of the raven, Noah sent forth his dove, which returned at evening carrying an olive branch with verdant leaves in its beak. I believe you have discerned, dear friends, and anticipated my words, that the olive branch with fresh foliage symbolizes the grace of the Holy Spirit, rich in the words of life, whose fullness, resting upon Christ, is referenced in the Psalm: Thou hast anointed thee, O God, thy God, with the oil of gladness more than thy partners (Psalm 44:8). Concerning the gift bestowed upon the companions of Christ, John affirms, Ye have an anointing from the Holy One, and know all things. In a profound analogy, this image aligns beautifully with the truth.

He waited an additional seven days for others. This indicates that the initial encounter with the dove occurred seven days after the raven (Gen. 8:9). The continual recurrence of this number in the narrative suggests that the practice of counting days in weeks originated at the dawn of creation.

Seven additional days. This indicates that the initial encounter with the dove occurred seven days subsequent to the raven's release. The consistent recurrence of the seven-day interval serves as evidence of the long-standing tradition of counting time in weekly cycles.