DATE:
Monday, March 12, 2018.
DISCUSSION TOPIC:
Childbirth Uncleanliness
BIBLE READING:
Leviticus 12: 1-8
Q.7, 8 See Questions HERE
DISCUSSION:
Look at vs. 4-5 and 7 again carefully. What according to these verses makes the woman unclean? In giving birth to a baby, the woman experiences bleeding which comes with other body fluids. This was what made the woman ceremonially unclean and not the child. Because of this, purifying rites were commanded for her ceremonial cleansing. Similar practices are found in some cultures in Africa.
Notice how long the purification takes if the baby is a boy compared with when the baby is a girl (vs. 3-5)? There is no clear reason in this passage to explain the difference between the two sexes. But it has some good implication for the health of both mother and child. Could this be a clue to the practice of maternity leave in contemporary time?
Vs. 6-8 is a good reminder to us that in spite of their parentage, all children are born sinners, and must make personal decision to trust the Lord for salvation one day (Psalm 51:5).
What gracious provision is there in vs. 8 (compare Luke 2: 21-24)?
So:
Where culture doesn't contradict biblical principles, it can be a point of contact when sharing the gospel with people in that culture.
Prayer:
Lord, we thank You for Your concern, love and care for our mothers and children.
