Genesis 8:1-22
8:1 It's important to understand God as more than an anthropomorphic entity. Creation is what we call science. Except in a manifested form that is wise, intentional, divine. God is not a magician or a puppet-master. Events on earth, births and geological occurrences, come not through the snapping of fingers or flick of a wand but through science. The rain on Earth stopped in such a scientifically explainable way.
8:2-3 Over a 5 month period of time, the Earth began to dry. In revelation, we will learn of a similar 5 month period relating to the end of evil.
8:4-5 The ark made a considerable journey during the flooding. The symbolism in that fact is that our journey with God is a tremendous one, allowing us to travel, accomplish and thrive in unimaginable ways.
8:6-8 In effort to determine if there was a foundation of earth on which to rebuild a home off the ark, Noah sent out a raven and a dove. Ravens are a scavenging bird and in this verse, are used to symbolize faithlessness. Ravens will eat anything... symbolically meaning that ravens will find nourishment (spiritual) from anywhere without preference for good. They represent spiritual carelessness, if not corruption.
The dove however, is a particular bird and will in this verse symbolize faith. For the dove eats seeds and grains which, even when excreted, produce in the soil of the earth. God is referred to the in the Bible as our dove. Two examples (but there are many more):
Luke 3:22 And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.”
Matthew 3:16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him
8:9 The raven did not return; as it was satisfied to live separate from God, scavenging (a desperate a difficult lifestyle). The dove returned to the ark, to the foundation of God until it was safe and perfect conditions to thrive. Noah brought the dove back into the haven of the ark, he retained his faith and held it in the safety of his soul.
8:10 The number 7 is used to represent God's perfect completion of things. Noah and the dove waited in trust and patience until the Earth became habitable again.
8:11 After waiting in patience, the dove returned to Noah with an olive leaf in her mouth. Not only did this tell Noah that there was habitable land again, it also represented God (the olive leaf). In the bible, the olive tree symbolizes God (we are continually urged to be anointed with His oil of life; Jesus teaches from the mount of olives).
8:12 Having delivered the message, the dove flew to re-commence its life after giving Noah the go-ahead to commence his.
8:13-14 After a year of rejuvenation, the Earth was again ready to sustain humanity, flora and fauna.
8:15-17 Noah's communication with God (not unlike your own) gave him the nod to disembark from the ark and flourish. God gave blessed permission and opportunity to abound, to be fruitful, and to multiply our lives, our kindnesses, justice, wisdom and love.
8:18-19 And so, the good were led back onto the earth.
8:20 Although this practice would soon be discouraged (Isaiah 1:11, Hosea 6:6), Noah expressed his faith through sacrifice. The understanding was that no manifestation of life could actual suffer or die because of God's love. Therefore, in an exhibition of trust, Noah would give to God the best of his animals as a gift of gratitude to God.
8:21 God accepted humanity for our fallibility. Our tendency to have flaw... because He believes in our ability to learn and grow and become edified in love, wisdom, justice and faith.
8:22 The promise from God was that humanity can count on the seasons, days and nights on the earth without fear of another flood such as the one Noah experienced.
