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Leviticus Chapter 12

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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:

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.

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GiGi's Leviticus Chapter 12 comment on 11/24/2022, 8:23pm...

Leviticus Chapter 12

This chapter details the requirements for time set aside for women following childbirth. They basically are considered unclean for as long as they continue to have a blood flow from giving birth. This usually is about 6 weeks, sometimes longer.

Although I do not see why the time of purification was longer for a female baby versus a male. But God has His reasons here.

God is consistent in determining that contact with blood is unclean (unless you are a priest offering a blood sacrifice).

I do think that God was giving this ordinance as a protection for the woman and her baby. They were to basically be secluded from the community during this time to avoid touching any holy thing or from anyone touching them and becoming unclean. What this ordinance allows for is time. Time for the Mom and baby to bond and get a good start on breastfeeding and infant care. The mother is the one who takes care of the baby during this time.

They both are in a vulnerable state for becoming ill, overtired, and stressed. Knowing that, as a mother, you don't need to overexert yourself with affairs other than caring for yourself and baby (and other young children in her care). A mother's body needs time to heal and regain strength and vitality. Childbirth takes a lot out of the mother and is stressful for the baby. Being able to repose in a calm environment away from the hustle and bustle of community life is a good thing for both mother and baby.

Sometimes it is too easy to see God's strictness in giving such laws, but I see in this His mercy and care for mothers and babies. He wanted to be sure they get off to a good start. The fact that He designed it that the mother continues to have a blood flow for the time frames listed is a physical reminder of the need to slow down, put first things first. There will be many more days for the woman to be considered "clean" and welcomed into the assembly than the days of being "unclean". God gave women down time. Yes!

Bruce's Leviticus Chapter 12 comment on 5/15/2019, 1:24pm...

Context Gives The Meaning of a Word Most of The Time. They Knew Turtle =Turtle-dove / Like Lead, Made, Maid, Weight, Wait, leaves Etc. Content Gives Meaning.

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