the time of purification: The law of Moses required women to complete a 40-day ceremony of purification after giving birth (Leviticus 12). After this period, they would offer the sacrifice commanded by the law (Luke 2:24).
to present Him to the Lord: Every person or thing born first belonged to the Lord, so the Israelites would present (or consecrate) them to God. Humans were bought back with a redemption price (see Exodus 13:1–2, 15; 34:19–20; Numbers 3:11–13; 18:15–16; Nehemiah 10:35–36).