Bible Commentaries
Leviticus 12

Verses 1-8

Chapter 12

In chapter twelve, the Lord now deals with a woman who has born a child. And if it's

a male child: she shall be unclean for seven days; after the birth of the child the separation from her infirmity. And in the eighth day they shall circumcise the child. And she shall then continue in the blood of her purifying for 33 days; and [during that time] is not to touch any hallowed thing, nor come into the sanctuary, until the days of her purifying are fulfilled. But if she bears a girl child, then she shall be unclean for two weeks, and be separated: then, in the days of her purifying for 66 days. And then when the days of her purifying are fulfilled, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, [which is the offering of consecration], and a young pigeon, or turtle dove, for a sin offering, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest ( Leviticus 12:2-6 ):

So an offering of consecration and a sin offering.

The priest shall offer it before the Lord, and make atonement for her; she shall be cleansed from the issue of blood. This is the law for her that has born a male child or a female. And if she be not able to bring a lamb, then shall she bring two turtles [that would be turtle doves], or two young pigeons; and the one for a burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for her, and she shall be clean ( Leviticus 12:7-8 ).

Now, it is interesting when Mary and Joseph, after the birth of Jesus, came for this purifying right kind of a thing that Mary brought two turtle doves which would indicate that they were of poor circumstances. They weren't wealthy at all. They were poor people. They could not afford to bring a sheep. And the poor people could bring the two turtle doves; and thus, Mary indicating the poverty of Mary and Joseph brought two turtle doves for the sacrifice for her right of purification and all.

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