The law for the purification of a woman who had given birth to a male child called for the child to be circumcised on the 8th day. After the circumcision of her son, she had to wait thirty-three more days to complete her time of purification. Then, she was to bring with her to the Temple a lamb for a burnt offering and a pigeon for a sin offering. Yet, the law further stated that another pigeon might be substituted for the lamb if the mother “is not able to bring a lamb.” This provision for the poor was utilized by Mary and Joseph when they brought baby Jesus from Bethlehem to Jerusalem on the 8th day to be circumcised. And Mary brought “two turtledoves or pigeons” as an offering as they presented Jesus to the Lord (Luke 2:21-24). They did this that all the law might be fulfilled concerning Jesus.
“And if she is not able to bring a lamb, then she may bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons” (Leviticus 12:8 NKJV).
Scripture for today:
Leviticus 11:1-12:8; Mark 5:21-43; Psalm 38:1-22; Proverbs 10:8-9
That this provision was utilized points to the poverty of the young couple to whom Jesus was born. This took place after the visit of the shepherds, but before the visit of the Magi, for their gifts would have made the purchase of a lamb possible for the couple.
Isn’t it wonderful that God’s law made provision for the poor and especially for the Son that became poor for our sakes, that we might become rich in Him (2 Cor. 8:9)?