Leviticus 12 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

The purification of a woman after childbirth: her offering.

Before Christ 1490.

For a burnt-offering—for a sin-offering— The burnt-offering was by way of gratitude to God for her safe deliverance; the sin-offering to complete her purification, and to gain her perfect re-admission to the tabernacle-service. See ch. Leviticus 15:30. While the Israelites remained in the wilderness, it is probable the women brought these offerings immediately after the days of their separation were over. When they were settled in the land of Canaan, and lived at a distance from the temple, convenience, no doubt, was consulted. See 1 Samuel 1:21; 1 Samuel 1:28 and Allix on the Pentateuch.

If she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtles— See note on ch. Leviticus 5:7, &c. The mother of our blessed LORD was in so humble a state of life as to be able only to bring this offering, mercifully ordained for those in that state. Learn we hence how much our Redeemer humbled himself for our salvation!