A dove, sure, feels right. But a raven? What's that all about?

Well, let's dive into what Philo of Alexandria, the great Jewish philosopher who lived in Egypt around the time of Jesus, thought about this very question. Philo wasn't just interested in the surface-level story; he was all about digging deeper, finding the hidden meanings within the text.

Now, if you just read the story literally, Philo says, the raven seems like a perfectly reasonable choice for messenger duty. After all, people have always watched ravens, trying to decipher their behavior, believing they can offer glimpses into the unknown. Some folks still do!

But Philo, ever the allegorist, wasn't satisfied with the simple explanation. He wanted to know: what does the raven represent? And his answer is fascinating.

He saw the raven as a symbol of wickedness. Think about it: it's black, arrogant, and fast. It brings darkness to the soul. He says that the raven is swift "to meet all the things of the world in its flight". The raven, in Philo's view, represents the dark side of human nature, the part of us that's drawn to the material world and prone to arrogance.

And what does arrogance breed? Impudence! Boldness that can actually lead to our own destruction. It's the opposite of virtue, which Philo connects with light and modesty.

So, why does Noah send out the raven first? Philo argues that it's all about clearing out the darkness. If there's any darkness – any folly – lurking in the intellect, it needs to be expelled. Noah, in sending out the raven, is symbolically casting out the darkness, preparing the way for the light.

It's a powerful image, isn't it? The idea that before we can find hope and renewal – symbolized by the dove – we first have to confront and banish the darkness within ourselves.

Philo's interpretation reminds us that these ancient stories are so much more than just simple narratives. They're filled with layers of meaning, waiting to be uncovered. And sometimes, the most unexpected characters – like a seemingly insignificant raven – can hold the key to unlocking profound truths about ourselves.