a female child (Lev 12:2.) This separation is the same as the regular monthly niddah separation. In the days
of the Temple, when considerations of ritual purity were more important, a woman was considered partially
impure for an additional period of thirty-three days after the birth of a male child and sixty six days after the
birth of a female child. No reason is stated why the period is longer for a female child than for a male child;
however, one resource emphasises that a female child is not more defiling than a male child, because the
method of purification at the end of this period is the same for both genders.
The firstborn son can be redeemed from thirty-one days from the day of his Brit Milah (circumcision). That is,
any time after a normal Jewish month period (some Jewish months are 29 days and others are 30 days).
Ordinarily, the ritual is performed on the thirty-first day from Brith Milah; this then means when the child
reaches the age of forty days. However, the ritual cannot be performed on Shabbat because it involves the
exchange of money. This procedure is commanded at Num 18:15-16.
As the separation period for a boy is ―seven days‖, and verse 22 of Luke chapter 2 says that ―after her days
of purification‖, which is thirty-three days, altogether totals forty days. This, then, means the Pidyon HaBen
(Redemption of the Firstborn) ceremony only took place after Miriam‘s purification period. This was when
Miriam and Yoseph brought Y‘shua to Jerusalem to present him to YHWH in the Temple – seen from verse
25 on.
Many read into the Scriptures that the Pidyon HaBen (Redemption of the Firstborn) of Y‘shua was after
Miriam‘s seven days‘ ―separation‖ period, immediately after Y‘shua‘s Brit Milah (circumcision on eighth day).
Many scholars assume that this took place on the ninth day or soon thereafter. It is not so; it could only take
place after a full forty days from the date of birth, which is displayed in the table above and further explained
in the verses to follow.
But more importantly, Miriam and Yoseph had to go to the Temple for both events: the ―purification‖ as well
as for the ―redemption‖ ceremonies. Once again, strong evidence is given that both Yoseph and Miriam were
righteous people, as shown by their obedience to the Torah (commandments) of the Mosaic Law. Y‘shua
was indeed being brought up by two people who were spiritual, righteous and obedient to the Law of Moses.
Y‘shua was rooted deep into the Mosaic Law from birth.
―(23) (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to
the Lord;)‖ Notice that the ―law of the Lord‖ is mentioned here, but it is called the ―law of Moses‖ in verse 22.
This demonstrates that the Jews believe, and rightfully so, that YHWH spoke through Moses and gave him
His Law. The two terms are interchangeable. The Jews say the Mishnah or Oral Law (commentary on the
Written Law) carries this same authority.
This verse says every male child born from the mother is called holy to YHWH. For that reason, this special
dedication ceremony—Pidyon HaBen (Redemption of the Firstborn), is held at the Temple as seen in verses
22 and 25 onwards.
―(24) And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves,
or two young pigeons‖. Yoseph and Miriam had no choice: they had to comply with Positive Law 76, Lev
12:6 - On offering brought by a woman after childbirth: ―And when the days of her purifying are
fulfilled (± a month), for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt
offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering, unto the door of the tabernacle
(Temple in Miriam‘s days) of the congregation, unto the priest:‖ Not allowing Miriam into the Temple, but only
to the door of the Temple. There the turtledoves of pigeons were handed over to the priest for her purification
offering. Furthermore, they had to bring the offerings to the Temple. They could not take it to the priest‘s
house. This is instructed in Positive Law 84, Deut 12:14 - All offerings must be brought only to the
Sanctuary. ―But in the place which the LORD shall choose (Temple) in one of thy tribes, there thou shalt
offer thy burnt offerings, and there thou shalt do all that I command thee‖.
During the offering to YHWH in the Temple, according to Miriam's period of uncleanness, only a pair of
doves or two young pigeons was given by Y‘shua‘s family. This indicated that His family was not wealthy:
―And if she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons; the
one for the burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for
her, and she shall be clean‖. (Lev 12:8). Once again, Y‘shua was raised according to the Torah.
―(25) And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just
and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. (26) And it was
revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's