If she cannot afford a lamb, then she shall take two turtledoves or two young pigeons: the one for a burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering. The priest shall make atonement for her, and she shall be clean.’”
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 8. Lamb. This was the case of the blessed Virgin: (Luc. 2:24,); so poor was she! Menochius.—It seems difficult to conceive, how all the women of Palestine could present themselves before the tabernacle, 40 or 80 days after the childbirth. Perhaps the law regarded those only who lived in the neighbourhood. The priests explained to the rest what they had to do, whether they might defer bringing their offering till the next great festival, or they might send it by another hand. We read that Anna came to the temple after she had weaned Samuel, 1 Kennicott. 1:21. Calmet.