Click here to read Leviticus 12
Leviticus 12 is divided into three sections: Purification after the Birth of a Son (12:1–4), Purification after the Birth of a Daughter (12:5), and Sacrificial Offerings after Childbirth (12:6–8).
Two things stood out in this passage. Firstly, giving birth to a son must go for circumcision, an act of dedication to God. In contrast, giving birth to a daughter does not have to go through any dedication process. Secondly, giving birth to a daughter takes double the time for purification compared to a son's birth.
First thing first, let us talk about circumcision. Circumcision is set as a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham (Please read Gen.17). The covenant is to have the LORD as God for the entire family. Although this covenant is marked only by the circumcision of the males, it covers the whole family. There is no need for the rest of the family to do anything, as God see a family as one unit. There is no element of unfair treatment.
Secondly, the purification period of a daughter is double that of a son. No reason is given, and there is no mention that a more prolonged period means inferiority. We have to accept that we do not fully comprehend every issue. Let us not read into it more than what is stated.
You notice that we become hypersensitive whenever we read of different treatments for the sexes. Yet we miss much of the passage shouting out to us concerning the extra cautions we need in purification, an act of distancing sins.
May God forgive us and help us to direct our focus on what the author wanted to tell us. May God keep us in Him and purify us each day before him, not with the sacrifices of birds and lamb, but with the teaching of God's words.
