What is the meaning of Leviticus 14:22? and two turtledoves or two young pigeons Leviticus 14:22 specifies small birds as acceptable sacrifices for a cleansed leper who could not afford livestock. By allowing either turtledoves or young pigeons, the Lord shows compassionate accommodation for different economic situations (Leviticus 5:7; Leviticus 12:8; Luke 2:24). Both species were readily available in Israel, simple to handle, and already recognized in earlier sacrificial instructions (Leviticus 1:14-17). The choice underscores God’s consistent provision: no one is excluded from worship because of poverty. whichever he can afford The phrase highlights God’s sensitivity to personal means. In the larger context (Leviticus 14:21-22), a three-tiered provision exists: • If the healed leper is wealthy, he brings lambs (14:10-13). • If moderately resourced, he brings one lamb plus two birds (14:21). • If poor, he brings only birds (14:22). This graded scale mirrors the earlier sin-offering options in Leviticus 5:7-13. Scripture affirms that cleansing and fellowship with God are accessible to all, fulfilling Deuteronomy 10:17-18’s declaration that the Lord “shows no partiality.” one to be a sin offering The sin offering (Hebrew, ḥaṭṭā’ṯ) dealt with impurity and guilt before God (Leviticus 4:20). For the healed leper, it signified that the spiritual consequences of the disease were fully atoned. 1 John 1:7 echoes the same principle: “the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” The bird’s blood was sprinkled on the altar (Leviticus 5:9), foreshadowing Christ’s shed blood that cleanses believers completely (Hebrews 9:13-14). and the other a burnt offering The burnt offering (Hebrew, ʿōlāh) symbolized total consecration; the entire bird was consumed on the altar (Leviticus 1:15-17). After forgiveness, the worshiper devoted himself wholly to God’s service (Romans 12:1). The sequence matters: first sin is addressed, then a life of dedication follows. In the New Testament, this order appears again—justification precedes sanctification (Romans 5:1; 6:13). summary Leviticus 14:22 shows God’s gracious provision for the poorest Israelite: two humble birds could secure both forgiveness (sin offering) and renewed devotion (burnt offering). The verse affirms that access to cleansing and fellowship with the Holy One depends on His mercy, not our resources—an eternal truth ultimately fulfilled in the all-sufficient sacrifice of Christ. |
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