What is the meaning of Exodus 29:20? Slaughter the ram The consecration ceremony begins with the death of a substitute. Just as the ram’s life ends so the priests may serve, Christ, “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29), gives His life so we may become “a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9). The pattern echoes earlier sacrifice commands (Exodus 12:6; Leviticus 1:5) and points ahead to Hebrews 10:10, where we are told we are sanctified through the body of Jesus “once for all.” Take some of its blood Life is in the blood (Leviticus 17:11), and only blood can atone for sin (Hebrews 9:22). By taking the blood in hand, Moses visibly connects the cost of sin with the gift of service. Compare the parallel ordination rite in Leviticus 8:23, where the same action underscores the seriousness of approaching a holy God. Put it on the right earlobes of Aaron and his sons • Right ear symbolizes attentive hearing. • The priests must listen to God’s commands before they speak to the people (Deuteronomy 6:4; James 1:22). • Blood-touched ears remind us that hearing is consecrated: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Matthew 11:15). On the thumbs of their right hands • Hands represent actions and service (Psalm 24:3-4). • The right hand, often signifying strength or authority (Isaiah 41:10), is marked so every priestly act is done under the covering of atoning blood (Colossians 3:17). • This foreshadows believers being Christ’s “hands and feet,” empowered by His sacrifice (Ephesians 2:10). And on the big toes of their right feet • Feet point to walk and direction (Psalm 119:105). • By anointing the big toe, the entire path of the priest is brought under holy obligation (Micah 6:8). • Christ later washes His disciples’ feet, showing that ongoing cleansing keeps our walk pure (John 13:10). Splatter the remaining blood on all sides of the altar The altar, already dedicated, is further saturated to declare complete coverage. Sacrifice and service are inseparable. Hebrews 13:10-12 affirms that we have an altar in Christ whose blood sanctifies both people and place. This final act ensures no corner of worship is untouched by redemption (Exodus 29:12; Leviticus 17:6). summary Exodus 29:20 details a vivid rite showing that every facet of priestly life—hearing, doing, walking—is set apart by sacrificial blood. The act anticipates Christ’s fulfillment: His once-for-all offering consecrates our ears to heed His Word, our hands to serve in His name, and our feet to walk in His ways, all under the cleansing, life-giving power of His blood. |
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