Doves, Keel argues from comparative ancient evidence, are messengers of love. ”Your eyes are doves,” thus, means that the eyes send inviting messages.
Which sparks out in all kinds of directions: The dove is the Spirit, messenger of the Father’s love for His Son, and for us; doves and eyes are associated, so that the dove of the Spirit is sent from the eyes of the Father, the eyes that value us as His beloved; the seven eyes of the Lamb are the seven Spirits, which are the seven doves, which are seven springs engraven on a stone (Zechariah 3:9); our eyes are also doves, sending messages of love, radiating the Spirit that is in us (“brightened eyes” mean refreshed spirit). Etc.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
Our Most Popular Articles of 2025
It’s been a big year for First Things. Our website was completely redesigned, and stories like the…
Our Year in Film & Television—2025
First Things editors and writers share the most memorable films and TV shows they watched this year.…
Religious Freedom Is the Soul of American Security
In the quiet sanctuary of West Point’s Old Cadet Chapel, a striking mural crowns the apse above…
