Verse 1

CONTENTS

The foregoing Chapter having stated what the divine law concerning clean and unclean food is, in this proceeds to lay down the law concerning the uncleanness of a woman in child-bearing. The time prescribed for her continuing in the uncleanness of child-bearing, and her burnt offering, and sin offering are pointed out.

Verse 1-2

The period of separation both from civil and religious communion, in time of child-bearing was very strict: and is observed by the Jews with equal strictness in the present hour. And the law of separation extended even to those that attended the woman.

Verse 3

The Jews were careful to observe this eighth day, Genesis 17:11-12.

Verse 4

Observe to what extent the law of uncleanness reached. Reader! do you not find cause to bless GOD who hath done away these ordinances in JESUS CHRIST? Colossians 2:10; Col_2:15.

Verse 5

Whatever cause in the divine mind led to this double period of separation, the believer in the LORD may learn therefrom his happiness and privilege, that there is now no difference neither bond nor free, neither male nor female, for his people are all one in CHRIST JESUS. Galatians 3:28.

Verse 6

Observe, both a burnt offering and a sin offering were enjoined, the one to denote GOD'S mercy, the other man's demerit. Psalms 51:5.

Verse 7

Observe, she doth not offer it herself but the priest. JESUS is he alone which can present our most holy things, and in whom alone both our persons and offerings are accepted. Ephesians 1:6.

Verse 8

Observe, though difference of circumstances made allowance for the difference of gifts in the burnt-offering, yet there was none for the sin-offering; meaning that in sin both great and small, high and low, rich and poor, are all upon a level. Reader! I hope you will not forget the poverty of JESUS at his birth, whose mother after the flesh, on account of her humble circumstances, brought only the humble offering: Luke 2:22; Luk_2:24. Le 12 REFLECTIONS

TRULY was it said to the woman in the garden, in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception. And thus from age to age the unalterable decree continues. But blessed be GOD since JESUS came, the sorrow is turned into joy. JESUS by his great undertaking hath finished transgression, made an end of sin, made reconciliation for iniquity, and brought in an everlasting righteousness.

Blessed GOD! help both reader and writer to praise thee for the deliverance from this yoke of ceremonial bondage, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear. Praised be that mercy which saveth with the circumcision made without hands. And doubly praised be that grace which condescended to circumcision, and the fulfilling the whole law, and the death upon the cross, for the salvation of his people. Dearest LORD, grant that, as in CHRIST JESUS, neither circumcision availeth anything nor uncircumcision, but a new creature; may it be my happiness and the happiness of all thy blood-bought children, to walk according to this rule, that peace may be on us, and mercy, and upon the Israel of GOD.