23. “The Churching of Women” (Leviticus 12:1-8)

• Jun, 23 2025

Chapter Twenty-Three Summary: “The Churching of Women” (Leviticus 12:1–8) Rushdoony on Purification, Uncleanness, and the Holiness of LifeIn this commentary, R.J. Rushdoony explores Leviticus 12’s laws concerning purification after childbirth—a passage frequently misunderstood or dismissed by modern readers. He defends these laws not as archaic or misogynistic but as deeply theological, rooted in God's concern for holiness, proper worship, and the distinction between generation and regeneration. 🧭 Key Themes and Theological Insights 1. Uncleanness ≠ SinRushdoony stresses that ceremonial uncleanness is not moral guilt:Childbirth, menstruation, and leprosy are not immoral, but they still cause ritual impurity.Uncleanness bars access to sacred spaces, not because these acts are sinful, but because they point to life in a fallen world where death and blood mark the boundaries between the holy and the profane.“The woman after childbirth may be liable to contagion but is not a source of it.” – Rushdoony2. God Requires Clean Approach to Holy ThingsThe woman is barred from touching “hallowed things” or entering the sanctuary (v. 4) until the purification period is complete.This mirrors sacramental discipline today, like the requirement to confess and examine oneself before communion (1 Cor. 11:20–34).Coming before God without cleansing is a statement of self-righteousness.Rushdoony ties this to Jesus’ parable of the wedding guest without the proper garment (Matt. 22), whose arrogance gets him cast out. 🔍 Observations on the Text7 days unclean + 33 days purification for a male child.14 days unclean + 66 days purification for a female child.After the days are fulfilled, the woman brings:A burnt offering (worship, consecration)A sin offering (atonement for impurity)Why the longer time for a girl?Rushdoony doesn't speculate beyond what's known, but he urges humility: God’s wisdom exceeds ours, even when we don’t grasp every detail.“It is hard for the human mind to accept that God is wiser than we are.” – Rushdoony💡 Generation vs. RegenerationRushdoony argues that Leviticus 12 subtly undermines any idolatry of fertility:While children are a gift from God (Ps. 127:3), our ultimate hope is not in reproduction, but in spiritual rebirth.Circumcision (v. 3) marks this very point: generation is not enough—regeneration by God's covenant is what matters.📜 Historical and Liturgical NotesThe Book of Common Prayer includes a post-childbirth thanksgiving rite (“Churching of Women”), showing continuity of this theme in Christian worship.Mary fulfilled this law after Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:24), bringing the offering of the poor (two birds), thus connecting the incarnation with obedience to the Law.📚 Takeaways and ApplicationsHoliness governs all of life—even biology and family.Physical processes point to spiritual truths: blood, birth, and cleanliness all have sacramental meaning.God’s presence requires preparation and humility, not presumption.Faith must accept God’s wisdom even when it conflicts with modern sensibilities.“Holiness is freedom from sin and conformity to God and His law… in word, thought, and deed.” – Rushdoony🔎 SEO Summary:Leviticus 12 commentary explainedWhy childbirth causes uncleanness in the BibleChurching of women in Scripture and liturgyBurnt and sin offerings after childbirthCircumcision and covenant theologyUncleanness vs. moral guilt in LeviticusRushdoony on purification laws✅ Conclusion:Leviticus 12 isn’t about devaluing women or children—it’s about recognizing God's holiness, the limits of human nature, and the need for divine cleansing even after life's most beautiful moments. Rushdoony brings out the rich theological layers behind this often-overlooked text, urging us to approach all of life—even childbirth—with humility, reverence, and covenant faithfulness.

Author

R.J. Rushdoony

Chalcedon Founder

Narrated by

Nathan F. Conkey

Narrator, teacher, missionary