Bro. Bruce's commentary for the book of Genesis is
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LEVITICUS
CHAPTER 12

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.

Children are a blessing from God. Ps. 127:3 says,"Lo, children are an heritage
of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is His reward."
Many of the following verses of that song also speak of the JOY of having children.
God wants us to know that children are a gift from Him, AND a responsibility
(Deuteronomy 6:4-9; 4:10; 11:19, and Titus 2:4).
This chapter details specific things for women to do which acknowledge God as the Another thing this chapter points out is that children are born in sin, and there is
uncleanness, both physically and spiritually.
Job 14:4 says, "Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean thing?"
Cleanliness was needed in those days especially.

Notice that the woman was unclean for seven days after giving birth to a male (verse 2),
and fourteen days after giving birth to a female (verse 5). This meant that the woman was
kept separated from the family during those days. Some people read into that more than there is.
The woman being "unclean" would be less able to mix with the family, and therefore would be
unable to perform daily duties. I think that's God's way of giving her REST!

The male child was not circumcised until after her seven days. The total time of purification
from the uncleanness of birth was 40 days for a male child, and eighty days for a female.
No one knows the reason for the difference. However the Bible is very clear in stating that
there is no difference between male and female (Galatians 3:28 & Colossians 3:11).

These acts were for protection and hygiene. They also symbolized the fact that even though we are
given the power of procreation, there is a corruption which accompanies it because man is
a sinner; by nature and by choice.
Were it not for God's gracious PROVISION, none of us could return to righteousness.

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.

Though sin separates us from God and His Holiness, there IS a way to return. The burnt
offering symbolizes worship and consecration. We must come before God in worship and adoration before we The woman was to come praising God for His goodness and mercy to her. He had both given her a child,
and brought her safely through the child-bearing process. Perhaps this was symbolic of looking with
anticipation to when the Son of Righteousness would be born of a woman.
PRAISE GOD FOR JESUS!
The burnt offering was dependent upon the economic status of the family. They could bring either a
lamb or a turtledove. The offering was to acknowledge siin whether it was the desire of having
a child, or the anguish of pain in child-bearing. Though the act of child-bearing is not sinful in itself, for sin (Genesis 3:16).
Notice in Luke 2:24 that Joseph and Mary complied with this law. I believe there is an important point
shown there. Mary DID NOT think herself above SIN!! (Romans 3:23, Isaiah 53:6)
The earthly parents of our Lord made a "poor person's" offering.
Even at eight days of age, Jesus was bleeding under the law to fulfill righteousness for our sins.

Please continue to follow along in Bible study with us.