Topical Encyclopedia In the Mosaic Law, specific instructions were given regarding the purification and atonement rituals for women after childbirth. These laws are primarily found in the book of Leviticus, which outlines the ceremonial practices required for maintaining ritual purity among the Israelites.Biblical Foundation The primary scriptural reference for the atonement offered by women after childbirth is found in Leviticus 12. According to the Berean Standard Bible , the chapter begins with the LORD speaking to Moses, providing detailed instructions for the purification process: "When a woman gives birth and bears a male child, she will be unclean for seven days, as she is during the days of her menstruation. On the eighth day, the flesh of the boy’s foreskin is to be circumcised. The woman shall continue in purification from her bleeding for thirty-three days. She must not touch anything holy or enter the sanctuary until the days of her purification are complete" (Leviticus 12:2-4). For a female child, the period of uncleanness and purification is extended: "If she gives birth to a female child, the woman will be unclean for two weeks, as she is during her menstruation. Then she must continue in purification from her bleeding for sixty-six days" (Leviticus 12:5). Atonement Offering Upon the completion of the purification period, the woman is required to bring specific offerings to the priest as an atonement for her ritual impurity: "When the days of her purification are complete, whether for a son or for a daughter, she is to bring to the priest at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting a year-old lamb for a burnt offering and a young pigeon or a turtledove for a sin offering. And the priest will present them before the LORD and make atonement for her, and she will be ceremonially cleansed from her flow of blood" (Leviticus 12:6-7). If the woman cannot afford a lamb, the law provides an alternative: "But if she cannot afford a lamb, she may bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering. Then the priest will make atonement for her, and she will be clean" (Leviticus 12:8). Theological Significance The requirement for atonement after childbirth underscores the pervasive nature of sin and impurity in the fallen world, as understood within the framework of the Old Covenant. The offerings symbolize the need for purification and reconciliation with God, highlighting the holiness required to approach Him. The provision for those who could not afford a lamb reflects God's compassion and inclusivity, ensuring that all could participate in the covenant community regardless of economic status. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the practice of offering sacrifices for purification is referenced in the account of Mary, the mother of Jesus. After the birth of Jesus, Mary and Joseph adhered to the Law's requirements: "And when the days of their purification according to the Law of Moses were complete, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord... and to offer the sacrifice specified in the Law of the Lord: 'A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons'" (Luke 2:22, 24). This adherence to the Law by Mary and Joseph illustrates their faithfulness to God's commandments and sets the stage for the fulfillment of the Law through Jesus Christ, who would ultimately provide the perfect atonement for sin. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 12:8And 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. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Leviticus Book I. The Book of Jubilees Resources What are the various theories on the atonement? | GotQuestions.orgIf Jesus is our atonement, why did He die at Passover instead of the Day of Atonement? | GotQuestions.org What is the concept of the vicarious atonement? | GotQuestions.org Atonement: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Atonement for Tabernacle and Furniture Atonement for Those Defiled by the Dead Atonement in Consummation of the Levites Atonement: Day of How Observed Atonement: Made by Animal Sacrifices Atonement: Made by Jesus with Context Atonement: Made by Jesus: A Mystery Atonement: Made by Jesus: Divinely Ordained Atonement: Made by Jesus: Made But Once Atonement: Made by Jesus: Redemption By Atonement: Made by Jesus: Typified Atonement: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To The Atonement: Acceptable to God The Atonement: Access to God By The Atonement: Commemorated in the Lord's Supper The Atonement: Effected by Christ Alone The Atonement: Exhibits The: Grace and Mercy of God The Atonement: Exhibits The: Love of Christ The Atonement: Exhibits The: Love of God The Atonement: Faith In, Indispensable The Atonement: Has Delivered Saints from The: Power of Sin The Atonement: Has Delivered Saints from The: Power of the Devil The Atonement: Has Delivered Saints from The: Power of the World The Atonement: Justification By The Atonement: Ministers should Fully Set Forth The Atonement: Reconciles the Justice and Mercy of God The Atonement: Reconciliation to God Effected By The Atonement: Remission of Sins By The Atonement: Saints Glorify God For The Atonement: Saints Praise God For The Atonement: Saints Rejoice in God For The Atonement: Sanctification By the Day of Atonement: A Day of Humiliation the Day of Atonement: Atonement Made On for the High Priest the Day of Atonement: Atonement Made On for the Holy Place the Day of Atonement: Atonement Made On for the Whole Congregation the Day of Atonement: Observed As a Sabbath the Day of Atonement: Offerings to be Made On the Day of Atonement: Punishment for not Observing the Day of Atonement: Tenth Day of Seventh Month the Day of Atonement: The High Priest Entered Into the Holy Place On the Day of Atonement: The Sins of the People Borne off by the Scapegoat On the Day of Atonement: Year of Jubilee Commenced On Under the Law Atonement by Priests Alone Under the Law Atonement: Extraordinary Cases of Under the Law Atonement: Made by Sacrifice Under the Law Atonement: Necessary For: Propitiating God Under the Law Atonement: Necessary For: Purifying Under the Law Atonement: Necessary For: Ransoming Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: Persons Sinning Ignorantly Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: Persons Sinning Wilfully Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: Persons Swearing Rashly Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: Persons Unclean Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: Persons Withholding Evidence Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: The Altar Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: The Congregation Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: The Healed Leper Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: The Holy Place Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: The Leprous House Healed Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: The Priests Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: Women After Childbirth Under the Law Atonement: Typical of Christ's Atonement Related Terms |
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