What is the significance of applying oil to the priest's right ear, thumb, toe? Setting the Scene Leviticus 14:17: “And the priest shall put some of the remaining oil that is in his palm on the lobe of the right ear of the one being cleansed, on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot, on top of the blood of the guilt offering.” This ritual appears again in the priestly consecration (Exodus 29:20; Leviticus 8:23-24). Whether for a newly consecrated priest or a cleansed leper, God uses the same three body parts—and always on the right side, the side of strength and honor (Psalm 118:16). Why Those Three Spots? • Right Ear – The place of hearing. – God’s servants must listen first, obeying His voice above every competing sound (Deuteronomy 6:4; John 10:27). • Right Thumb – The organ of grasp and action. – A reminder that every deed, every labor of the hands, belongs to the Lord (Colossians 3:23; James 1:22). • Right Big Toe – The stabilizer for walking. – Symbolizes a sanctified daily walk, stepping only where the Lord leads (Psalm 119:105; Ephesians 4:1). Blood First, Oil Second 1. Blood of the guilt offering is applied first (Leviticus 14:14). ‑ Represents atonement—sin dealt with, guilt removed (Hebrews 9:22). 2. Oil follows “on top of the blood” (Leviticus 14:17). ‑ Oil regularly pictures the Spirit’s empowering presence (1 Samuel 16:13; Zechariah 4:6). ‑ Only after cleansing can the Spirit’s anointing rest on a person (Acts 2:38). Lessons Carried Forward • Listening Ears – Romans 10:17 links hearing and faith; consecrated ears are tuned to Scripture and Spirit. • Working Hands – Romans 6:13 urges believers to present their members “as instruments of righteousness.” Consecrated thumbs remind us that redeemed hands must be busy for the kingdom. • Walking Feet – 1 Peter 1:15 calls for a holy manner of life. Anointed toes point to consistent, holy steps—whether in public ministry or private choices. Why It Still Matters • Whole-Person Dedication – God claims every faculty: what we hear, what we do, where we go. • Order of Grace – Cleansing (blood) precedes empowering (oil). We never work for forgiveness; we work from forgiveness. • Ongoing Dependence – Even consecrated priests needed the ritual. Today, fresh surrender keeps the believer sensitive, active, and steady in the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). In a Nutshell Right ear, right thumb, right toe—three small anointings that shout a big truth: the Lord desires purified hearing, doing, and walking, and He supplies both the cleansing blood and the empowering oil to make it possible. |
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