1.
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
2.
Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child: then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean.
3.
And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.
4.
And she shall then continue in the blood of her purifying three and thirty days; she shall touch no hallowed thing, nor come into the sanctuary, until the days of her purifying be fulfilled.
5.
But if she bear a maid child, then she shall be unclean two weeks, as in her separation: and she shall continue in the blood of her purifying threescore and six days.
6.
And 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, and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest:
Leviticus 12:6. For a burnt-offering—for a sin-offering— The burnt-offering was by way of gratitude to God for her safe deliverance; the sin-offering to complete her purification, and to gain her perfect re-admission to the tabernacle-service. See ch. Leviticus 15:30. While the Israelites remained in the wilderness, it is probable the women brought these offerings immediately after the days of their separation were over. When they were settled in the land of Canaan, and lived at a distance from the temple, convenience, no doubt, was consulted. See 1 Samuel 1:21; 1Sa 1:28 and Allix on the Pentateuch.
7.
Who shall offer it before the LORD, and make an atonement for her; and she shall be cleansed from the issue of her blood. This is the law for her that hath born a male or a female.
8.
And if she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons; the one for the burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for her, and she shall be clean.
Leviticus 12:8. If she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtles— See note on ch. Leviticus 5:7, &c. The mother of our blessed LORD was in so humble a state of life as to be able only to bring this offering, mercifully ordained for those in that state. Learn we hence how much our Redeemer humbled himself for our salvation!