Leviticus 15:29

And on the eighth day she shall take unto her two turtles, or two young pigeons, and bring them unto the priest, to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

And on the eighth {H8066} day {H3117} she shall take {H3947} unto her two {H8147} turtles {H8449}, or two {H8147} young {H1121} pigeons {H3123}, and bring {H935} them unto the priest {H3548}, to the door {H6607} of the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}.

On the eighth day, she is to take for herself two doves or two young pigeons and bring them to the cohen at the entrance to the tent of meeting.

On the eighth day she is to take two turtledoves or two young pigeons and bring them to the priest at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.

And on the eighth day she shall take unto her two turtle-doves, or two young pigeons, and bring them unto the priest, to the door of the tent of meeting.

Commentary

Leviticus 15:29 is part of a detailed section in the Old Testament law concerning ritual purity and impurity, specifically dealing with a woman's purification after an irregular bodily discharge (not her regular menstrual cycle).

Context of Leviticus 15:29

This verse follows the instruction that a woman who has had an irregular flow of blood must wait seven days after her flow ceases to be considered clean (Leviticus 15:28). On the "eighth day," she is to bring a specific offering to the priest at the entrance of the tabernacle. This act signifies the completion of her purification period and her restoration to the community and to worship. The entire chapter, Leviticus 15, outlines various forms of ritual impurity and the prescribed methods for cleansing, emphasizing God's demand for holiness among His people in ancient Israel.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Purity and Holiness: The primary theme is the maintenance of ritual purity within the Israelite camp, reflecting the holiness of God who dwelt among them in the tabernacle. These purification laws ensured a clear distinction between what was clean and unclean, preparing the people to approach a holy God.
  • Atonement and Restoration: While not for moral sin, these offerings served as a means of atonement for ritual impurity, allowing the individual to be restored to full participation in the community's spiritual life. It was a way to "cleanse" the tabernacle from the defilement that accumulated from the people's impurities.
  • Divine Provision: The instruction to bring "two turtles, or two young pigeons" demonstrates God's gracious provision. These birds were common and affordable, ensuring that even the poor could fulfill the requirements for purification, as seen in other laws like the purification after childbirth (Leviticus 12:8).
  • Order and Ritual: The specific instructions for the "eighth day" and the designated place ("door of the tabernacle of the congregation") highlight the importance of divine order and the structured approach to God's presence in ancient Israel.

Linguistic Insights

The term "turtles" refers to turtledoves, and "young pigeons" (Hebrew: bnei yonah) literally means "sons of doves." Both were readily available birds, making them suitable and accessible offerings for purification rituals, underscoring the principle of God's grace in making cleansing possible for all.

Practical Application and Significance

While the specific ritual laws of Leviticus are no longer binding for believers under the New Covenant (see Colossians 2:16-17), this verse still offers valuable spiritual lessons:

  • It underscores God's unchanging nature as holy and His desire for His people to live in a manner that honors His holiness.
  • It points to the need for cleansing and restoration, which is ultimately fulfilled in Christ. Through His sacrifice, believers are purified not just ritually but spiritually, making them fit to approach God (Hebrews 9:14).
  • It reminds us that God always provides a way for reconciliation and restoration, demonstrating His mercy and grace towards humanity.
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Cross-References

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