Luke 2 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Luke 2:21-24 – Presenting the Baby to God

Luke 2:21-24 – Presenting the Baby to God

LK2:21 Now when eight days[1] had passed it was time for the infant to be circumcised and then to be named “Jesus” just as the angel had stated before he was even conceived in the womb. LK2:22 So when the period of their purification[2] [Leviticus 12:2] was completed according to the Law of Moses, they brought him to Jerusalem to present him to the LORD,[3] LK2:23 just as it has been written in YHWH’s law:[4] “Every male opening the womb will be called holy to the LORD.” [Exodus 13:2, 12,15] LK2:24 And so they offered a sacrifice according to what the Law of YHWH[5] states: “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”[6] [Leviticus 12:8]

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[1] Eight days: The time when a baby’s blood coagulation is at its highest during life time.

[2] The period of their purification: Seven days. [Leviticus 12:2]

[3] The Lord: TO KYRIO.

[4] YHWH’s law: a Hebraism. [Exodus 13:9; 2 Chronicles 17:9; 34:14]

[5] The Law of YHWH: A Hebraism occurring first at 2 Kings 10:31. [Psalm 1:2; 19:7; 119:1]

[6] Pigeons: Indicating the family was poor

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“”Consecrate to me every firstborn male. The first offspring of every womb among the Israelites belongs to me, whether man or animal.”” (Ex 13:2 NIV)

“you are to give over to the LORD the first offspring of every womb. All the firstborn males of your livestock belong to the LORD.” (Ex 13:12 NIV)

“When Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, the LORD killed every firstborn in Egypt, both man and animal. This is why I sacrifice to the LORD the first male offspring of every womb and redeem each of my firstborn sons.’” (Ex 13:15 NIV)

“This observance will be for you like a sign on your hand and a reminder on your forehead that the law of the LORD is to be on your lips. For the LORD brought you out of Egypt with his mighty hand.” (Ex 13:9 NIV)

“They taught throughout Judah, taking with them the Book of the Law of the LORD; they went round to all the towns of Judah and taught the people.” (2Ch 17:9 NIV)

“While they were bringing out the money that had been taken into the temple of the LORD, Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the LORD that had been given through Moses.” (2Ch 34:14 NIV)

“Yet Jehu was not careful to keep the law of the LORD, the God of Israel, with all his heart. He did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam, which he had caused Israel to commit.” (2Ki 10:31 NIV)

“But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.” (Ps 1:2 NIV)

“The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.” (Ps 19:7 NIV)

“[Aleph] Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD.” (Ps 119:1 NIV)

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Preceding

Luke 2 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Luke 2:1-7 – A Firstborn’s Birth In Bethlehem

Luke 2 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Luke 2:8-14 – Angels and Shepherds in the Night

Luke 2 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Luke 2:15-20 – Shepherds Find the Infant Christ

Matthew 19:3-9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Grounds for Divorce

Matthew 19:3-9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Grounds for Divorce – additional verses

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Additional reading

1. For getting to know Jesus
2. Why was Jesus circumcised at eight days old in accordance with Jewish law?

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Related

1. Each Child a Miracle
2. A Reflection for Tuesday 14 August 2018
3. God’s Secret Sign.
4. Signs and Symbols
5. Circumcision