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Genesis 8:9 - Dove seeks dry land, returns.

Genesis 8:9 - בראשית 8:9

Hebrew Text

וְלֹא־מָצְאָה הַיּוֹנָה מָנוֹחַ לְכַף־רַגְלָהּ וַתָּשָׁב אֵלָיו אֶל־הַתֵּבָה כִּי־מַיִם עַל־פְּנֵי כָל־הָאָרֶץ וַיִּשְׁלַח יָדוֹ וַיִּקָּחֶהָ וַיָּבֵא אֹתָהּ אֵלָיו אֶל־הַתֵּבָה׃

English Translation

but the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot, and she returned to him into the ark, for the waters were on the face of the whole earth: then he put out his hand, and took her, and pulled her in to him into the ark.

Transliteration

Ve-lo matz'a ha-yona mano'ach le-khaf-raglah va-tashav elav el ha-teva ki mayim al pnei kol ha-aretz va-yishlach yado va-yikacheha va-yave otah elav el ha-teva.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְלֹֽא־מָצְאָה֩ הַיּוֹנָ֨ה מָנ֜וֹחַ לְכַף־רַגְלָ֗הּ וַתָּ֤שׇׁב אֵלָיו֙ אֶל־הַתֵּבָ֔ה כִּי־מַ֖יִם עַל־פְּנֵ֣י כׇל־הָאָ֑רֶץ וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח יָדוֹ֙ וַיִּקָּחֶ֔הָ וַיָּבֵ֥א אֹתָ֛הּ אֵלָ֖יו אֶל־הַתֵּבָֽה׃
וְלֹֽא־מָצְאָה֩ הַיּוֹנָ֨ה מָנ֜וֹחַ לְכַף־רַגְלָ֗הּ וַתָּ֤שׇׁב אֵלָיו֙ אֶל־הַתֵּבָ֔ה כִּי־מַ֖יִם עַל־פְּנֵ֣י כׇל־הָאָ֑רֶץ וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח יָדוֹ֙ וַיִּקָּחֶ֔הָ וַיָּבֵ֥א אֹתָ֛הּ אֵלָ֖יו אֶל־הַתֵּבָֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Dove's Return to the Ark

The verse describes the dove's unsuccessful search for dry land and its return to Noach (Noah) in the ark. Rashi (Bereshit 8:9) explains that the dove was sent to determine whether the floodwaters had receded. When it could not find a resting place, it returned, indicating that the earth was still submerged.

Symbolism of the Dove

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 33:6) highlights the dove as a symbol of the Jewish people, who are compared to a dove in Shir HaShirim (Song of Songs 2:14). Just as the dove remains loyal to its mate, the Jewish people remain faithful to Hashem even in times of hardship.

Noach's Compassion

The verse emphasizes Noach's kindness in reaching out to bring the dove back into the ark. Ramban (Bereshit 8:9) notes that this act demonstrates Noach's rachmanut (compassion) for all living creatures, a trait that aligns with the Torah's values of tza'ar ba'alei chayim (preventing animal suffering).

The Dove's Message

  • The Talmud (Eruvin 18b) teaches that the dove's return signified that the world was not yet ready for renewal, as the waters still covered the earth.
  • The Malbim (Bereshit 8:9) adds that the dove's inability to find rest reflects the turmoil of the post-flood world, where true peace (menuchah) was absent.

Spiritual Lessons

The Sforno (Bereshit 8:9) suggests that the dove's return teaches the importance of seeking refuge in Hashem's protection when the world is spiritually unstable. Just as the dove returned to the ark, we must turn to Torah and mitzvot for true menuchah (rest).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 108b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the flood and Noah's actions, illustrating the dove's return to the ark as part of the narrative about the flood's duration and Noah's righteousness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the dove return to Noah's ark?
A: The dove returned to the ark because it couldn't find a dry place to rest, as the floodwaters still covered the entire earth. This shows that the world wasn't yet ready for life to resume outside the ark (Rashi on Genesis 8:9).
Q: What does the dove symbolize in this verse?
A: In Jewish tradition, the dove often symbolizes peace and the Jewish people. Its return to the ark teaches us about seeking refuge when the world is in turmoil, just as we turn to Hashem for protection (Midrash Bereishit Rabbah 33:6).
Q: Why did Noah stretch out his hand to bring the dove back in?
A: Noah showed compassion by actively helping the dove return, teaching us the importance of caring for all creatures. The Rambam teaches that this demonstrates the Torah's emphasis on preventing animal suffering (tza'ar ba'alei chayim) even during extraordinary circumstances.
Q: How long after the flood did the dove return?
A: According to Rashi (based on the chronology in Genesis 8), this occurred after the waters had been receding for several months, but the earth wasn't yet fully dry. The dove's return helped Noah understand the state of the world outside the ark.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the dove not finding rest?
A: The Talmud (Eruvin 18b) derives from this that just as the dove ultimately found rest only with Noah, so too do we find true rest and peace only when connected to Torah and mitzvot. The verse reminds us that worldly pursuits alone cannot provide lasting comfort.