A “through the bible” devotion from Leviticus 12.
When we lived in Iowa, a friend went into labor and gave birth to her third child on a Monday. We had seen her in church the day before and thought it was time, even though the doctor said she had a few more weeks to go. The family was back in church for the baptism the very next Sunday. I thought it was amazing that they didn’t even miss one Sunday!
That’s the exception, not the rule. It’s often few weeks before taking an infant out in public. Of course, we tend to be most cautious with our first child. We relax with number two. Number three and beyond? They’ll be fine.
The idea of maternity leave comes out of the early 19th century when many women went to work during World War I. However, God laid out guidelines for maternity leave during Israel’s exodus from Egypt. After the birth of a child, mom gets to set aside other obligations to bond with her newborn (Leviticus 12).
So why must a mother take off one month for a boy but two for a girl? (Leviticus 12:3-5)? The best explanation I read explained that greater honor was given to sons in that culture. A little extra time with a daughter would ensure a close relationship with her, too.
The sacrificial ritual described in this chapter is a nice way of welcoming a woman back into the community after some time away. Everyone will want to see the little one. These instructions assure that the mother will get attention, too.
Waite for it... 