50:16). Doves and turtle-doves were the only birds that could be offered in
sacrifice, as they were clean according to the Mosaic law (Ge. 15:9;
Leviticus 5:7; 12:6; Luke 2:24). The dove was the harbinger of peace to
Noah (Genesis 8:8, 10). It is often mentioned as the emblem of purity
(Psalm 68:13). It is a symbol of the Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:2; Matthew
3:16; Mark 1:10; Luke 3:22; John 1:32); also of tender and devoted
affection (Cant. 1:15; 2:14). David in his distress wished that he had the
wings of a dove, that he might fly away and be at rest (Psalm 55:6-8).
There is a species of dove found at Damascus “whose feathers, all except
the wings, are literally as yellow as gold” (68:13).
- DOVE’S DUNG (2 Kings 6:25) has been generally understood literally.
There are instances in history of the dung of pigeons being actually used as
food during a famine. Compare also the language of Rabshakeh to the Jews
(2 Kings 18:27; Isaiah 36:12). This name, however, is applied by the
Arabs to different vegetable substances, and there is room for the opinion
of those who think that some such substance is here referred to, as, e.g.,
the seeds of a kind of millet, or a very inferior kind of pulse, or the root of
the ornithogalum, i.e., bird-milk, the star-of-Bethlehem. - DOWRY (mohar; i.e., price paid for a wife, Genesis 34:12; Exodus 22:17;
1 Samuel 18:25), a nuptial present; some gift, as a sum of money, which
the bridegroom offers to the father of his bride as a satisfaction before he
can receive her. Jacob had no dowry to give for his wife, but he gave his
services (Genesis 29:18; 30:20; 34:12). - DRAGON (1.) Hebrews tannim, plural of tan. The name of some
unknown creature inhabiting desert places and ruins (Job 30:29; Psalm
44:19; Isaiah 13:22; 34:13; 43:20; Jeremiah 10:22; Micah 1:8; Malachi 1:3);
probably, as translated in the Revised Version, the jackal (q.v.).
(2.) Hebrews tannin. Some great sea monster (Jeremiah 51:34). In Isaiah
51:9 it may denote the crocodile. In Genesis 1:21 (Hebrews plural
tanninim) the Authorized Version renders “whales,” and the Revised
Version “sea monsters.” It is rendered “serpent” in Exodus 7:9. It is used
figuratively in Psalm 74:13; Ezekiel 29:3.
In the New Testament the word “dragon” is found only in Revelation 12:3,
4, 7, 9, 16, 17, etc., and is there used metaphorically of “Satan.” (See
WHALE.)