In the biblical context, the act of putting blood on the thumb is a significant ritual associated with consecration, particularly in the ordination of priests. This practice is rooted in the Old Testament and is primarily detailed in the book of Leviticus, which outlines the laws and rituals given to the Israelites.

Biblical References:

The primary reference to the application of blood on the thumb is found in Leviticus 8:22-24. During the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests, Moses is instructed to perform a specific ritual involving the sacrifice of a ram. The passage reads:

"Then he presented the second ram, the ram of ordination, and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on its head. Moses slaughtered the ram, took some of its blood, and put it on the lobe of Aaron’s right ear, on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot. Moses also presented Aaron’s sons and put some of the blood on the lobes of their right ears, on the thumbs of their right hands, and on the big toes of their right feet. Then he sprinkled the blood on the altar on all sides." (Leviticus 8:22-24)

Symbolism and Significance:

The application of blood on the thumb, along with the ear and toe, carries deep symbolic meaning. The right side of the body, often associated with strength and favor, is specifically chosen for this ritual. The thumb, representing the hand, symbolizes the actions and work of the priest. By applying blood to the thumb, the priest's work is consecrated and set apart for holy service to God.

The use of blood in this ritual underscores the seriousness and sanctity of the priestly office. Blood, representing life and atonement, signifies purification and dedication. The act of placing blood on the thumb, ear, and toe indicates a comprehensive consecration of the priest's faculties—what he hears (ear), what he does (hand), and where he goes (foot).

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the consecration ritual highlights the necessity of holiness and purity in those who serve in the presence of God. The priest, as a mediator between God and the people, must be set apart and sanctified. The blood on the thumb serves as a reminder of the priest's commitment to perform his duties with integrity and devotion.

This ritual also foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood consecrates believers, setting them apart as a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9). The Old Testament practices find their fulfillment in the New Covenant, where the blood of Christ purifies and consecrates the believer's entire being for service to God.

Conclusion:

The act of putting blood on the thumb during consecration is a profound ritual that emphasizes the sanctity and dedication required of those who serve in God's presence. It serves as a powerful symbol of the comprehensive nature of consecration, involving the entirety of one's actions and service to the Lord.Exodus 29:20
Then shall you kill the ram, and take of his blood, and put it on the tip of the right ear of Aaron, and on the tip of the right ear of his sons, and on the thumb of their right hand, and on the great toe of their right foot, and sprinkle the blood on the altar round about.
Nave's Topical Index

Leviticus 8:23
And he slew it; and Moses took of the blood of it, and put it on the tip of Aaron's right ear, and on the thumb of his right hand, and on the great toe of his right foot.
Nave's Topical Index

Whether the Actions Performed in Celebrating this Sacrament are ...
... as many as shall receive the body and blood, may be ... He closes his fingers, ie the
thumb and first finger ... body is threefold; the part offered and put into the ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the actions performed in.htm

Entire Sanctification in Type.
... The anointing oil was also to be applied to the ear, the thumb and the toe of Aaron ...
May God put upon all His pardoned children not the blood-mark only ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter iv entire sanctification in.htm

Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ...
... leprosy was frequently a result of sin: and some of the blood of the sacrifice was
put on the ... of the man that was to be cleansed, "and on the thumb of his ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether there can be any 2.htm

The Three Witnesses
... sacrifice was brought, and his ear, his thumb, and his ... Ghost values both the inner
life and the cleansing blood. ... three together, and let no man put them asunder ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 20 1874/the three witnesses.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... of his sacrifice, and sprinkle it seven times before the Lord, that is, before the
mercy-seat, or throne of grace; and was to put some of the blood upon the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem
... As she did this she kept her thumb and forefinger ... walk so delicately with big steps,
and put down their ... was a dark street, full of thorns, strife, and blood. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xiii the journey of the.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... impressive were the ceremonies on the day of its consecration. ... called to
worship"to enter by the blood of the ... Soon we shall put on our church-going holiday ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

The Immaculate Conception
... the flour and eating until there was no blood left in ... of the house in its little
cradle and put on a ... the child's five senses, touching with his thumb her ears ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/ii the immaculate conception.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... a little while, and I will avenge the blood of Jezreel ... and had granted him that
religious consecration which had ... the valleys on the frontier were put to ransom ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

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