The dove came in to him in the evening, as the manner of doves is, partly for better accommodation, both for food and lodging, than yet she could meet with abroad; and partly from her love to her mate. In her mouth was an olive leaf. Quest. Whence was this leaf, when trees had been so generally overthrown and rooted up by the deluge? Answ.
1. Many trees might be preserved by an advantageous situation, between the rocks or hills which broke the force of the waters.
2. It is probable that God, by his powerful providence, preserved the plants and trees for future ages; and therefore there is no mention of any of their roots or seeds preserved in the ark.
3. The olive-tree especially will not only stand, but live and flourish under the waters, as Pliny, 1. 13. c. 25, and 16. 20, and Theophrastus, 4. 8, observe. Add, that the word here rendered leaf signifies also a tender branch.