Grace and Compassion For All (Leviticus 12)
Leviticus 12:8 And 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.
All through the Bible, we find God’s grace and compassion. Two ways God’s compassion is found in Leviticus 12:
First, God made provision for the poor woman who wanted to obey God’s command to bring a sacrifice but could not afford it. She, like Mary, Jesus’ mother (Luke 2:22-24), was permitted to bring two turtledoves or two pigeons. She was not expected to bring what she was unable to afford, only what she was able. The focus for God is on the heart of the person sacrificing and on their faith.
What a great God that allows us all to approach to Him regardless of our economic standing! He wants us to come to Him in faith, whoever we are, and He makes it all possible through the free gift of Christ on the cross. All he requires now is faith.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Second, there is another aspect of compassion in the instructions of Leviticus 12. The time of “uncleanness” for a female child was twice as long. This is not because females are twice as unclean as males! As Wiersbe points out, it was most likely an act of compassion for the mother to care for her daughter in a society which preferred sons over daughters. This time of separation would have given her space to care for her daughter when her husband might have been anxious to try again for a son.
Again, I think we see the compassion of God for the mother and the daughter. What wonderful God we serve, who cares and makes provision for all people, including the poor and those that society at large might not look out for!
Psalm 86:15 But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, Longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.