"When her days of purification are complete, whether for a son or daughter, she is to bring to the priest at the entrance to the tent of meeting a year-old male lamb for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon or a turtledove for a sin offering."
Leviticus 12:6
This chapter details the requirements for a woman who is unclean due to childbirth. Most of the women I know scoff at this chapter, but after reading it I don't see it the same way they do. Especially after understanding the issue with cleanliness of food animals, the way I understand this chapter is as another health concern. Even with today's medicines and advanced procedures, there's still a huge risk for infection of the nether regions after giving birth. Avoiding contact with others (part of the purification ritual) is one of the most important factors in preventing infection.
As for the sacrificial lamb and bird mentioned in the quoted Scripture above, there's better time to make atonement and grow closer to God than after the birth of a child. As a father myself, I know exactly how important this step is in raising a child. We cannot love our children without first being loved by God. How could we teach our children God's ways if we ourselves are not virtuous?
Question of the Day:
Are there any children in your life who need positive, virtuous guidance? What steps are you making to purify yourself so that you may be a good example for the children?
Prayer of the Day:
Help me to keep my thoughts, words, and actions pure, so that I may be a good role model for my own child, any future children You plan to give me, and all other children I come into contact with. Do not let me lead any child astray from Your path. Amen.
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