After the laws concerning clean and unclean food come the laws concerning clean and unclean persons; and the first is in this chapter concerning the ceremonial uncleanness of women in child-birth, Lev. 12:1–5. And concerning their purification from that uncleanness, Lev. 12:6–8, &c.

The law here pronounces women lying-in ceremonially unclean. The Jews say, “The law extended even to an abortion, if the child was so formed as that the sex was distinguishable.” 1.

A woman that had lain in, when the time set for her return to the sanctuary had come, was not to attend there empty, but must bring her offerings, Lev. 12:6. 1. A burnt-offering; a lamb if she was able, if poor, a pigeon.