Leviticus 12:8

“And if she be not able to bring a lamb, etc.] As everyone was not in circumstances sufficient to be at the expense of buying a lamb for this purpose, having none of their own: then she shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons; which was a kind and merciful provision for the poorer sort; since it was necessary that by them the favour received should be acknowledged, as well as the sin attending them in such circumstances should be atoned for. This being the offering brought by the mother of our Lord, shows the state of poverty in which she was; and by this, and the circumcision of her child, and the presentation of it before the Lord at the time of her purification, it appears that they…”

“bring two turtles, &c.--(See on Lev 5:6). This was the offering made by Mary, the mother of Jesus, and it affords an incontestable proof of the poor and humble condition of the family (Luk 2:22-24). Next: Leviticus Chapter 13”

“The sacrificial act expressed an acknowledgment of sin and a dedication of herself to Yahweh. See Leviticus 8:14. Leviticus 12:6 Of the first year - literally, as in the margin, “a son of his year.” This expression is supposed to mean one less than a year old, while the “son of a year” is one that has just completed its first year. Leviticus 12:8 A lamb - Rather, one of the flock; either a sheep or a goat; it is not the same word as in Leviticus 12:6. Two turtles, or two young pigeons - See the note at Leviticus 1:14. The Virgin Mary availed herself of the liberty which the Law allowed to the poor, and offered the inferior burnt-offering Luke 2:24. return to 'Top of Page' Footnotes:…”

“The morality of this law obliges women who have received mercies from God in child - bearing, with all thankfulness to acknowledge his goodness to them, owning themselves unworthy of it, and (which is the best purification) to continue in faith, and love, and holiness, with sobriety. Next: Leviticus Chapter 13”

“12:8 cannot afford to bring a lamb: The alternative offering provided for the poorer class of society (see 5:7-13; cp. Luke 2:22-24).”

“she be not able to bring a lamb: Heb. her hand find not sufficiency of a lamb, Lev 1:14, Lev 5:7, Lev 14:22, Lev 15:14, Lev 15:29; Luk 2:22, Luk 2:24; Co2 8:9 make an atonement: Lev 4:26; When burnt offerings and sin offerings were brought together, the sin offerings were first offered. Next: Leviticus Chapter 13”