In the sacrificial system of ancient Israel, as detailed in the Old Testament, offerings of birds held a significant place, particularly for those who could not afford larger animals such as bulls, goats, or sheep. The primary birds used for offerings were turtledoves and young pigeons. These offerings were integral to various types of sacrifices, including burnt offerings, sin offerings, and purification rites.

Biblical Instructions and Context

The instructions for bird offerings are primarily found in the Book of Leviticus, which outlines the laws and regulations for sacrifices. Leviticus 1:14-17 provides specific guidelines for burnt offerings of birds: "If, instead of a lamb, he brings a bird as his offering to the LORD, he is to bring a turtledove or a young pigeon. The priest shall bring it to the altar, wring off its head, and burn it on the altar; its blood shall be drained out on the side of the altar. He is to remove the crop with its contents and throw it to the east side of the altar, in the place for ashes. He shall tear it open by its wings without dividing the bird completely. Then the priest shall burn it on the altar, on the wood that is on the fire. It is a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD."

Bird offerings were also used in sin offerings, as seen in Leviticus 5:7-10: "If he cannot afford a lamb, he is to bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons to the LORD as a penalty for his sin—one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering. He is to bring them to the priest, who shall first offer the one for the sin offering. He is to wring its head from its neck, but not sever it completely. Then he is to sprinkle some of the blood of the sin offering against the side of the altar, and the rest of the blood must be drained out at the base of the altar. It is a sin offering. The priest shall then prepare the second bird as a burnt offering according to the regulations. In this way, the priest will make atonement for him for the sin he has committed, and he will be forgiven."

Purification and Other Uses

Bird offerings were also part of the purification process for women after childbirth, as described in Leviticus 12:6-8. If a woman could not afford a lamb, she was permitted to bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons—one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering. This provision underscored the accessibility of the sacrificial system to all socioeconomic classes within Israel.

In the case of leprosy, bird offerings were part of the cleansing ritual. Leviticus 14:4-7 describes the use of two live clean birds, cedarwood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop in the purification process for a person healed of leprosy. One bird was killed over fresh water in a clay pot, and the live bird, along with the cedarwood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop, was dipped in the blood of the slain bird and then released into the open field.

Symbolism and Significance

The use of birds in offerings symbolized several theological truths. First, it demonstrated God's provision for all people, regardless of their economic status, to participate in the sacrificial system and seek atonement. The birds, being more affordable than larger animals, allowed the poor to fulfill their religious obligations and maintain a right relationship with God.

Furthermore, the offering of birds, like other sacrifices, pointed to the need for atonement and the seriousness of sin. The shedding of blood, even that of a small bird, was a vivid reminder of the cost of sin and the necessity of a substitute to bear the penalty on behalf of the sinner.

New Testament References

The New Testament also references bird offerings, notably in the account of Jesus' presentation at the temple. In Luke 2:24, Mary and Joseph offered "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons" in accordance with the law, highlighting their humble socioeconomic status and their adherence to the Mosaic Law.

Overall, offerings of birds in the Bible reflect the inclusivity of God's covenant with Israel, the gravity of sin, and the provision of a means for atonement accessible to all.