Leviticus 12:6

When the days of her purification are complete, whether for a son or for a daughter, she is to bring to the priest at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting a year-old lamb for a burnt offering and a young pigeon or a turtledove for a sin offering.

Study Bible

When the days of her purification are complete
This phrase refers to the period after childbirth during which a woman was considered ceremonially unclean according to the Mosaic Law. The Hebrew word for "purification" is "טָהֳרָה" (tahorah), which signifies a process of becoming clean or pure. This period was 40 days for a son and 80 days for a daughter, reflecting the cultural and religious practices of ancient Israel. The completion of these days marked a transition from impurity to a state of ritual cleanliness, allowing the woman to re-enter the community's religious life.

whether for a son or a daughter
This phrase indicates that the law applied equally regardless of the child's gender, though the duration of purification differed. The equal requirement for offerings underscores the intrinsic value of both male and female children in the eyes of God, despite the cultural norms of the time that often favored sons. This reflects the biblical principle that all life is sacred and valued by God.

she is to bring to the priest
The act of bringing offerings to the priest highlights the mediatory role of the priesthood in ancient Israel. The Hebrew word for "priest" is "כֹּהֵן" (kohen), which denotes one who serves as an intermediary between God and the people. This practice underscores the importance of approaching God through the means He has established, a principle that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, our High Priest.

at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting
The Tent of Meeting, or "אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד" (Ohel Moed) in Hebrew, was the designated place where God met with Moses and the Israelites. Bringing offerings to this location signifies the importance of approaching God in the manner He prescribed. It was a sacred space that symbolized God's presence among His people, reminding them of His holiness and their need for atonement.

a year-old lamb for a burnt offering
The "year-old lamb" represents innocence and purity, qualities that are essential for a burnt offering, which is "עֹלָה" (olah) in Hebrew. This offering was entirely consumed by fire, symbolizing total dedication and surrender to God. The lamb prefigures Christ, the Lamb of God, who was wholly dedicated to the Father's will and offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice for sin.

and a young pigeon or a turtledove for a sin offering
The provision of a "young pigeon or a turtledove" for a sin offering, or "חַטָּאת" (chatat) in Hebrew, reflects God's grace and accommodation for those who could not afford a lamb. This offering was for atonement, acknowledging human sinfulness and the need for divine forgiveness. It points to the accessibility of God's grace to all, regardless of social or economic status, and foreshadows the ultimate atonement through Christ's sacrifice.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
- The author of Leviticus, who received the laws from God on Mount Sinai.

2. The Priest
- The individual responsible for offering sacrifices and performing rituals as outlined in the Levitical law.

3. The Woman
- Refers to a mother who has given birth and is required to bring a sacrifice for purification.

4. The Tabernacle
- The sacred place where sacrifices and offerings were made, representing God's dwelling among His people.

5. The Burnt Offering and Sin Offering
- Specific types of sacrifices required for purification and atonement.

Teaching Points

Understanding Purification
The requirement for a purification offering highlights the holiness of God and the need for cleansing from impurity. It reminds us of the importance of approaching God with reverence and purity.

Symbolism of Sacrifice
The sacrifices symbolize atonement and reconciliation with God. They foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who provides complete purification and atonement for sin.

Role of the Priest
The priest acts as a mediator between God and the people, prefiguring Christ as our ultimate High Priest who intercedes on our behalf.

Continuity of God's Law
The laws given in Leviticus are part of God's unchanging nature and His desire for His people to live in holiness. They point to the need for a Savior who fulfills the law.

Practical Holiness
While the specific rituals are not required today, the principle of living a life set apart for God remains. We are called to live in a way that reflects God's holiness in our daily lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the requirement for a purification offering in Leviticus 12:6 reflect the holiness of God, and how can we apply this understanding to our daily lives?

2. In what ways does the role of the priest in Leviticus 12:6 point to the work of Jesus Christ as our High Priest, and how does this impact our relationship with God?

3. How do the sacrifices described in Leviticus 12:6 foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, and what does this teach us about the continuity of God's plan for redemption?

4. Considering the purification process in Leviticus 12:6, how can we practice spiritual purification in our own lives today?

5. How does the account of Mary and Joseph following the purification law in Luke 2:22-24 demonstrate obedience to God's law, and what lessons can we learn from their example?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 1:3-4
Provides details on the burnt offering, which is a voluntary act of worship and atonement, connecting to the purification process in Leviticus 12:6.

Luke 2:22-24
Describes Mary and Joseph bringing Jesus to the temple for purification, following the law in Leviticus 12, showing the continuity of the law into the New Testament.

Hebrews 10:1-4
Discusses the limitations of the Old Testament sacrifices, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, which fulfills the law's requirements.