Dead is an ISBE encyclopedia entry about death, looking at the concept in the biblical literature and use.
Category Archives: D
Dead Raised (+)
Dead Raised is a topical reference of Bible verses of the physically dead returning to life.
King David (+)
King David (+) is a topical listing of verses about King David and his exploits and life.
Darkness
Darkess represents blindness, not being able to correctly orient yourself to reality. It represents confusion, and inability (resting). See Light.
Deer
Deer was admired for its agility and grace, its ability to sense danger quickly, and its swiftness.
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Dragon
Dragon. Dragons are imaginary beasts with a long history in the folklore of many cultures. Usually the dragon is a crafty creature that represents evil. The word dragon, as used in some translations of the Bible, is often confusing. Occasionally this word is used when the intended meaning was probably jackal (Lam. 4:3), (RSV), sea serpent or serpent (Ps. 91:13), (RSV), or even crocodile (Ezek. 29:3-4).
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Dromedary
Dromedary (see Camel).
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Dog
Dog. In ancient Israel, the dog was not “man’s best friend.” In fact, calling someone a dog was one of the most offensive ways of insulting that person. The Bible mentions dogs frequently; most of the references are derogatory. Even in New Testament times, Jews called Gentiles “dogs” (Matt. 15:26). The term “dog” also referred to a male prostitute (Deut. 23:18). Unbelievers who were shut out of the New Jerusalem were also termed “dogs” (Rev. 22:15)– probably a reference to their sexual immorality. Moslems later applied the insult to Christians.
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Dove
Dove. Doves and pigeons belong to the same family. They are often mentioned in the Bible as if they are the same animal. The rock dove found in Palestine is the wild ancestor of our common street pigeon. Turtledoves are migrants. They spend the months of April to October in the Holy Land, filling the air with soft cooing when they arrive each Spring (Song 2:11-12).
Doves come in several colors, from pure white to the chestnut-colored palm turtledove. Even the plain gray pigeon has a silver sheen. Solomon waxed poetic over doves’ eyes. David longed for “wings like a dove” (Ps. 55:6), so he could fly away from his enemies.
Pigeons were probably the first domesticated bird. When people realized doves could travel long distances and always find their way home, they used them to carry messages. Homing pigeons have keen eyes with which they spot landmarks to help them stay on the right route.
Hebrews ate pigeons and, from Abraham’s time, used them in sacrifice. Even a poor man could provide a pigeon or two for worship, as Joseph and Mary did at Jesus’ circumcision (Luke 2:21-24; Lev. 12:8).
Doves appear to express affection, stroking each other, and “billing and cooing.” They mate for life, sharing nesting and parenting duties. They are gentle birds that never resist attack or retaliate against their enemies. Even when her young are attacked, a dove will give only a pitiful call of distress.
Because of its innocence and gentle nature, the dove is a common religious symbol. The Holy Spirit took the form of a dove at Jesus’ baptism (Matt. 3:16; Mark 1:10; Luke 3:22). The dove also symbolizes peace, love, forgiveness, and the church.
Source: [Anon-Animals]