As we walk through the Torah, I will be reviewing certain principles over and over again because they are essential to a proper understanding of the Bible.

One of these principles is the one I have titled the “As-in-Heaven-So-on-Earth” principle.

Again, this principle simply means that certain objects and events depicted in Scripture are the physical manifestations of spiritual truths in the heavens.

And Yeshua was the perfect example: “He who has seen me has seen the Father (in heaven).”

In Genesis chapter 8, which we are studying now, we also encounter a few interesting examples of this “As-in-Heaven-So-on-Earth” principle in action.

God’s Spirit manifesting as the wind:

In verse one, it says that God sent a wind over the earth to push back the waters.

Now the Hebrew word for wind here is “Ruach” and it means “spirit.”

Maybe you are familiar with the term “Ruach Ha-Kodesh." which means the Holy Spirit.

So here is another demonstration of the “As-in-heaven-so-on-earth” principle.

God’s spirit is manifesting Himself physically as wind.

The Raven and the Dove:

After 40 days pass, Noah opens the door of the ark and sends out a raven.

The raven is a scavenger that feeds off the flesh of the dead.

However, the raven does not return. So Noah lets seven days pass and then sends out a dove that soon returns. Noah lets another seven days pass and sends out the dove a second time. It returns again but this time with an olive tree leaf in its beak.

Noah sends out the dove a third time and this time the dove does not return. The time to leave the ark and begin a new life on earth had arrived. There is some interesting symbolism expressed through the raven and the dove.

The raven is an unclean bird and is considered to be a symbol of evil.

In contrast, the dove is a clean bird and in Scripture is a symbol of the Holy Spirit.

Notice the characteristics portrayed by the raven.

The Scripture says that the raven went forth “to and fro” and never returned. Who else in Scripture is described as roaming the earth to and fro?

None other than Satan himself.

Second, the raven is a bird that feeds on the flesh of the dead.

Similarly, the unbeliever who knows not God nor the things of the Lord goes through life aimlessly, deriving futile pleasures from things that have no life in them.

Now, whereas the raven was only sent out once, the dove was sent out three times.

Although I don’t quite agree with their interpretation, Christians point out that the dove being sent out three times is a reflection of the triune nature of God.

That point aside, there is no doubt however that the number 3 holds a special Godly significance in the Scriptures.

For example, Noah had three sons.

Yeshua Himself was raised on the third day…

And the ark of the covenant contained 3 sacred objects and there are many other examples.

In comparing the raven with the dove, it should be noted that while the raven was able to derive satisfaction from the dead fleshly things of the world, the dove wasn’t able to and thus returned.

When the dove came back a second time, it had an olive tree leaf in it’s beak.

Christianity and Judaism both agree that the olive tree symbolizes peace.

Let us consider some interesting facts about the olive tree.

First, olives themselves have been known throughout the ages for their nutritional and healing value. In the Bible, olive oil has played a significant role in anointing kings and high priests and was used to light the menorah in the Holy Temple.

The national emblem of the State of Israel is olive leaves cradled around a menorah. The symbol for the Israel Defense Forces is a sword wrapped by an olive branch.

The meaning is…

“We seek peace, but we are prepared to defend against our enemies."

© Richoka