What role do the "two turtledoves or two young pigeons" play in atonement? Key Passage “But if he cannot afford a lamb, he shall bring to the LORD as his guilt offering for the sin he has committed two turtledoves or two young pigeons—one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering. He is to bring them to the priest, who shall first present the one for the sin offering… In this way the priest will make atonement for him for the sin he has committed, and he will be forgiven.” (Leviticus 5:7-10) God’s Provision for the Poor • The law required a blood sacrifice for sin (Leviticus 17:11; Hebrews 9:22). • Not everyone could afford a lamb, so God specified an alternative: two inexpensive birds. • The same promise—“he will be forgiven”—follows the bird offering, proving equal efficacy with costlier sacrifices. • Mercy and justice meet: sin still demands blood, yet God makes atonement accessible to the poorest Israelite. How the Two Birds Were Used 1. One bird became the sin offering. – Its blood was sprinkled on the altar’s side (Leviticus 5:9). – Purpose: remove personal guilt through substitutionary death. 2. The second bird became the burnt offering. – Completely consumed on the altar (Leviticus 5:10). – Purpose: symbolize full consecration and restored fellowship with God. Symbolic Layers • Substitution: The innocent dies so the sinner can live (cf. Isaiah 53:5). • Blood and fire: forgiveness (sin offering) and renewed devotion (burnt offering) occur together. • Equality before God: rich and poor approach Him on identical grounds—shed blood (Romans 3:22-23). Other Occasions for Two Birds • Ritual cleansing after childbirth (Leviticus 12:8). • Purification from skin disease (Leviticus 14:22-31). • Mary and Joseph offered “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons” for Jesus (Luke 2:24), underscoring both their poverty and their obedience. Pointing Ahead to Christ • Every blood sacrifice foreshadows the ultimate offering: “We have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Hebrews 10:10). • Jesus fulfills both roles simultaneously: He bears sin (sin offering) and wholly satisfies the Father (burnt offering). • The birds’ accessibility anticipates the gospel’s reach to every social class (James 2:5). Takeaways for Believers • God never lowers His standard of holiness, yet He graciously provides a way for every sinner to be covered. • Atonement is not earned by wealth, status, or effort—only by accepting the substitute God provides. • Gratitude for Christ’s finished work should lead to wholehearted devotion, just as the burnt offering followed the sin offering. |
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