Leviticus 12 Childbirth

On this day, almost 40 years ago, my mother, Abimbola Bamiro (new Odumosu) was in labor, praying to God for a safe delivery of her first child. To God’s glory, I came out that faithful Tuesday, ready to deliver of God’s mandate for my life.

Had I been born over 2000 years ago as a Jew, my mother would’ve undergone a specific ritual chronicled in Leviticus chapter 12. This chapter is a detailed description of the purification rituals that were to be performed after a woman gave birth in ancient Israel. The chapter begins by stating that when a woman gives birth to a male child, she is considered unclean for seven days. During this time, she is not allowed to touch anything holy or enter the sanctuary. This period of uncleanness is followed by the circumcision of the child on the eighth day.

After the initial seven days, the woman remains in a state of uncleanness for an additional 33 days, for a total of 40 days. During this time, she is not allowed to touch anything holy or enter the sanctuary. If a woman gives birth to a female child, the period of uncleanness is longer. She is considered unclean for 14 days, and then remains in a state of uncleanness for an additional 66 days, for a total of 80 days.

At the end of the period of uncleanness, the woman is to bring a sin offering to the priest. The offering is to be a lamb in its first year, or two turtledoves or two pigeons if she cannot afford a lamb. The priest will then sacrifice the offering on her behalf to make atonement for her sin.

It is important to note that the purification rituals described in Leviticus chapter 12 were not only about physical cleanliness, but also about spiritual purity. The Israelites believed that uncleanness was a result of sin, and that the sacrifice of a sin offering was necessary to make atonement for that sin. These rituals were intended to emphasize the importance of cleanliness and holiness in the Israelite community, and to provide a means of atonement for sin.

I am certain I was washed, and my mother likewise “cleansed” in the medical sense of it some 30+ years ago. But the purity that matters more so is the internal cleansing of our Spirits. Have you been washed by the blood of Jesus?

Best wishes,

L.B.