 |
| Dove Carrying an Olive Branch in its Mouth |
Other Symbols of Israel – Dove and Pomegranate
DOVE — The dove is a symbol of peace from the Biblical story of Noah’s Ark.
Noah released the dove to find dry land after the flood, and the dove returned
carrying an olive branch, signaling that the flood waters had receded.
The
dove is also a symbol of the Holy Spirit. When Jesus was water baptized by John
the Baptist, as soon as Jesus rose up out of the water the heavens were opened
and the Holy Spirit descended on Him, alighting on Him as a dove. Then a Voice
out of Heaven said, “This is My Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased”
(Matthew 3:16-17).
 |
| Pomegranate With Approximately 613 Seeds |
POMEGRANATE — Pomegranates are native to the Middle East and are
rich in anti-oxidants. The pomegranate fruit is a symbol of fertility in the
Bible and is one of the seven species of Israel. Each fruit is said to contain
613 seeds just as there are 613 commandments in the Bible. Pomegranates are
eaten on the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashana, to wish for good deeds and a year
as plentiful with goodness as the seeds of the pomegranate.
