The answer is: dove

Gen 1:18 ...to rule over the day anD OVEr the night...

In Genesis 1:18, we witness the beautiful orchestration of creation as God calls forth realms of night and day, asking the heavenly bodies to serve as markers of time. The phrase “to rule over the day and over the night” embodies the balance in the divine design. Thinking of a dove here adds a layer of poignancy to the image, suggesting peace and harmony in the balance between light and darkness.

Why a dove? Throughout the Bible, the dove symbolizes hope and renewal. In the Genesis flood account (Genesis 8), a dove returns to Noah’s ark with an olive branch, signaling the end of judgment and the coming of a new beginning. This association projects the message of liberation; just like the light of day signals strength and drags away the darkness, a dove shines as a symbol of higher understanding, reminding us that periods of darkness can be transformed into light.

Also interesting is the wider biblical context: birds were generally seen as messengers. So a dove in the ancient world wasn’t just an elegant creature but a bearer of divine messages. This echoes the broader biblical theme of calling every creature in creation to serve a purpose. Just like celestial bodies defining our time speak to order, the humble dove infuses our lives with much-needed hope. Isn’t it fascinating how these elements of creation reflect deeper spiritual truths?