The Olive Branch is internationally recognized as a symbol for peace. That concept originated in the Bible in Genesis 8:11 – “And the dove came back to him [Noah] in the evening, and behold, in her mouth was a freshly plucked Olive leaf. So Noah knew the waters had subsided from the earth.”
Mankind had distanced himself from his CREATOR due to sinful choices. The behavior of man became filled with evil and violence. The attitude of mankind was controlled by arrogance and pride. GOD decided upon a course of redemption and restoration and that required a cleansing of planet earth. Thankfully a man by the name of Noah was righteous in the sight of GOD and GOD decided to bring salvation to humanity through Noah. Noah was instructed by GOD to build a huge floating vessel, an ark, which was 450′ long X 75′ wide X 45′ in height. GOD informed Noah that HE was going to flood the earth and start over. Noah believed GOD and he and his family worked on the ark for 100 years. GOD then gave the final altar call and only 8 human beings decided to enter the safety of the ark – placing their faith in the provision of GOD.
This was a terrific step of faith by Noah as up to this time it had not even rained. The earth was evidently like a giant terrarium and a mist provided the hydration needs for life on earth [Gen. 2:6]. There were ‘waters above’ the earth and ‘waters below’ on the earth. The atmosphere of earth was no doubt much thicker prior to the universal deluge. When Noah and his family entered the ark, GOD closed the door. GOD then sent forth the waters of judgment. The thick vapor canopy of the ‘waters above’ the earth dissipated and the ‘waters below’ on the earth exceeded their boundaries. The waters continued to rise and prevail on the earth for 150 days. Noah and his family were on the ark for 371 days until the waters receded and the ark came to rest in the mountains of Ararat. Noah knew it was safe to leave the ark and begin replenishing the earth when the dove brought back the Olive leaf.
Rabbi’s teach that the Olive leaf was plucked by the dove from an Olive tree on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. The Temple Mount is Mt. Moriah. Mt. Moriah is where our LORD gave HIS life as the ultimate sacrifice to make peace with our LORD.
The Olive Branch is incorporated into the logo of Christian Counseling Services. The Olive branch demonstrates the desire of all of us who provide services at Christian Counseling Services – we want the folks who GOD sends our way to Find Peace in Difficult Situations. Shalom!!! Larry ><>