Luke 2:24

A pair of turtle doves, &c.— This was the offering appointed for the poorer sort, Leviticus 12:6. It is evident, therefore, that although Joseph and Mary were both of the seed royal, they were in very mean circumstances. The Evangelist mentions the presentation of the child to the Lord, before the offering of the sacrifice for the mother's purification; but in fact this preceded the presentation, because, till it was performed, the mother could not enter the temple; accordingly St. Luke himself introduces both the parents presenting Jesus, Luke 2:27.