Dumb Dove

 Hosea 7:11 Ephraim is like a dove, silly and without sense,
    calling to Egypt, going to Assyria.
12 As they go, I will spread over them my net;
    I will bring them down like birds of the heavens;
    I will discipline them according to the report made to their congregation.
13 Woe to them, for they have strayed from me!
    Destruction to them, for they have rebelled against me!
I would redeem them, but they speak lies against me.

When we think of a dove, there are some obvious pictures that come to mind: pure, holy, a representative of the Holy Spirit and peace. But they are also easily lured and captured.  They can be "innocent" like sheep, but at the same time stupid like sheep.  The Israelites had fell into the trap of trusting these "great" empires, hoping one would save them from the other, instead of trusting and obeying God. Jesus warned us to include wisdom with our being "innocent as doves." We need to beware trusting others over God, lest they lead us astray from Him.