Turtle-Dove
Smith's Bible Dictionary [1]
Turtle-dove. Turtur auritus . (Hebrew, tor ). The name is phonetic, evidently derived from the plaintive cooing of the bird. It is one of the smaller members of the group of birds, which ornithologists usually call, pigeons . The turtle-dove occurs first in Scripture in Genesis 15:9. In the Levitical law, a pair of turtle-doves, or of young pigeons, are constantly prescribed as a substitute for those, who were too poor to provide a lamb or a kid. The offering of two young pigeons must have been one easily within the reach of the poorest. The admission of a pair of turtle-doves was, perhaps, a yet further concession to extreme poverty, for they were extremely numerous, and their young might easily be found, and captured, by those who did not possess pigeons.
In the valley of the Jordan, an allied species, the palm-dove, (so named because it builds its nest in the palm tree), or Egyptian turtle - Turtur aegyptiacus , Temm. - is by no means uncommon. It is not improbable that the palm-dove may, in some measure, have supplied the sacrifice in the wilderness, for it is found in amazing numbers, wherever the palm tree occurs, whether wild or cultivated. From its habit of pairing for life, and its fidelity to its mate, the turtle-dove was a symbol of purity, and an appropriate offering. The regular migration of the turtle-dove, and its return in the spring, are alluded to in Jeremiah 8:7, and Song of Solomon 2:11-12. It is from its plaintive note doubtless that David, in Psalms 74:19, pouring forth his lament to God, compares himself to a turtle-dove.
American Tract Society Bible Dictionary [2]
Or Turtle, the Columba Turtur; a distinct bird from the common dove or pigeon, smaller and differently marked, and having a soft and plaintive note, Isaiah 59:11 Ezekiel 7:16 . It is a bird of passage, Jeremiah 8:7 , leaving Palestine for a short trip to the south, and returning early in spring, Song of Song of Solomon 2:12 . It is timid and fond of seclusion, and pines in captivity, Psalm 11:1 . The law allowed it as a burnt or sin-offering by the poor, Leviticus 1:14 5:7 Matthew 21:22 , and in several cases of purification, etc., Leviticus 12:6-8 14:22 Numbers 6:10 Luke 2:24 . Before the giving of the law, Abraham offered birds, which he divided the other victims he left the birds entire, Genesis 15:9 .
People's Dictionary of the Bible [3]
Turtle-Dove. Psalms 74:19. By the Jewish law the poor who could not afford a more costly sacrifice were permitted to bring two turtle-doves or two young pigeons. Leviticus 12:6-8. As the former are not domesticated and breed everywhere in prodigious numbers, this provision was a great boon to the needy. The outward circumstances of Christ's parents are thus indicated in Luke 2:24.
