The connection of Leviticus 12 to the preceding chapters

Leviticus 12 forms part of a larger literary unit, Leviticus 11–15, which deals with various kinds of uncleanness and ways in which the worshipper may be cleansed from them. As such, the chapter forms part of the directory of priestly knowledge (Leviticus 10:10). Having dealt with uncleanness associated with animals, the book now moves on to consider various bodily defilements. Now, chapter 12 deals with the ritual defilement of a woman following child birth.