Hello Steve,
I read the excerpt from your book on Parthian history. It’s very facinating. I look forward to reading the book. When will it be available? I just had one comment about Joseph and Mary’s financial status. You made note that Joseph and mary followed God’s laws and accordingly in Luke Chapter 2:22 it says: “And when the days of her purification according to the Torah of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem to present him to YHWH.” and verse 24 says “and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the Torah of Moses, a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” This commandment is in Leviticus 12:6: “And when the days of her purification are fulfilled, 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…” verse 8 says that is she is unable to bring a lamb (because she can’t afford it) then she shall bring two tur
tles or two pigeons.” I believe the financial resources to flee to Egypt would have come from the gifts brought by the Magi. All a part of YHWH’s plan. Thanks for all your hard work Steve.
Sincerely,
Gayle Montelin
MyReply
Hello Gayle,
I’m delighted that you enjoyed the free excerpt from my book, Parthia–The Forgotten Ancient Superpower. The book is available for purchase now! You can click on the “books” link at my homepage and then click on the ordering link for my Parthia book. The link will take you directly to my publisher’s website where you can easily order the book on-line.
Regarding the offering of turtledoves for Mary’s purification rites, I see two possible explanations. The first is, as you suggest, that Joseph and Mary only had a certain amount of funds with them when they traveled to Bethlehem. While they would have assumed they had sufficient funds for all needs, they weren’t anticipating a side-trip to Egypt when they left for Bethlehem. That they could afford any sacrifice at all after an unscheduled trip to Egypt attests to the fact that they traveled with enough funds to afford the unexpected side-trip to a neighboring country. I quite agree that the gifts of the Magi would have given them abundant funds. The other possible explanation is that at the time they made the sacrifice for Mary’s purification rites, there may not have been any lambs to purchase at the time they arrived at the Temple (the supply of lambs for sacrifice would not have been unlimited) so offering turtle doves may have been a back-up choice dictated by circumstances.
Thanks for reading my website. Please refer it to others who are also interested in the subjects covered at my website!
Steve
