Leviticus 12

Purification After Childbirth (vv. 1–5):

When a woman gives birth to a son, she is ceremonially unclean for 7 days, similar to her monthly period. On the 8th day, the boy is circumcised.

She then goes through 33 additional days of purification (totaling 40 days).

For a daughter, the woman is unclean for 14 days and goes through 66 additional days of purification (totaling 80 days).

These periods are about ceremonial—not moral or physical—impurity.

Offerings for Purification (vv. 6–8):

At the end of the purification period, the woman must bring:

A burnt offering (usually a lamb)

A sin offering (a pigeon or dove)

If she cannot afford a lamb, she may bring two doves or pigeons.

This offering makes atonement and restores ceremonial cleanliness.

Spiritual Lessons:
Holiness and everyday life: Even natural processes like childbirth required ceremonial purification, showing that God’s holiness touches all aspects of life.

The sin offering does not imply childbirth is sinful but acknowledges inherited sin and the fallen state of humanity.

God makes provision for the poor, allowing them to bring less costly offerings—a sign of His mercy and inclusiveness.

Jesus' family followed this law (Luke 2:22–24), offering two birds, showing their humble status and obedience to the Law.