Charles Spurgeon Commentary Luke 2:23-24

"(as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord), 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." — Luke 2:23-24 (ASV)

(As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord; ) and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtle-doves, or two young pigeons.

This proves the poverty of our Lord's parents. If they had been able to bring a costlier sacrifice, they should have done so. The law required the offering of a lamb for a burnt offering; but there was a gracious provision in the case of the poor mother: 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.

Even in the case of a working-woman, the birth of her first-born son required from her a sacrifice; but it might be of the smallest kind: A pair of turtle-doves, or two young pigeons. Think of your Lord himself redeemed by a sacrifice, a pair of doves offered in his stead! What a wonderful coming down to our condition and position was this!