Noah, the Dove, and the Raven

Why were the raven and dove sent to see whether the water had diminished? Why does Noah need to send them, when ultimately he will not leave the ark until God has told him to do so? And what is the significance of his peaceful relationship with the dove, in contrast with his wary relationship with the raven? This lesson analyzes the story of Noah's dispatch of the birds, and explores the meaning of this episode based on the parallels of the new world after the flood and the creation.