The turtledove is one of the few birds that is listed as a clean bird that can be used as a burnt offering (Leviticus 1:14). For more information on offerings, see What’s with all the offerings in Leviticus?
One of the definitions in the dictionary for the word “turtledove” interestingly is “a sweetheart or beloved mate“. God’s servant and King of Israel, David in Psalm 74:19 requests God, not to forsake the soul of His turtledove (sweetheart or beloved mate) to the multitude of the wicked. Some may feel that David was comparing himself to be the turtledove (God’s beloved), which is quite possible as He was a man after God’s own heart, but other commentaries state that the turtledove reference is to the church (God’s elect).
The church of God is made up of those who believe that Jesus Christ is the savior of the world. If you and I have accepted, believed and confessed Jesus Christ to be God, we make up the church. The Bible calls the Church of God to be the bride of the lamb (Jesus Christ). We are Jesus’ beloved mate; His sweetheart. We are God’s turtledove.
Now the question is, if we are God’s turtledove, are we living our life in such a manner, that Jesus, the High Priest can present us as an offering before God, one that God will willingly accept? Think about it!
Psalm 74:19 (KJV)
19 O deliver not the soul of thy turtledove unto the multitude of the wicked: forget not the congregation of thy poor for ever.
Leviticus 1:14 (KJV)
14 And if the burnt sacrifice for his offering to the LORD be of fowls, then he shall bring his offering of turtledoves, or of young pigeons.
