Slaughter the ram, take some of its blood, and put it on the right earlobes of Aaron and his sons, on the thumbs of their right hands, and on the big toes of their right feet. Sprinkle the remaining blood on all sides of the altar. Slaughter the ramThe act of slaughtering the ram is a significant ritual in the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests. The Hebrew word for "slaughter" is "שָׁחַט" (shachat), which implies a sacrificial offering. This act symbolizes the seriousness and solemnity of the priestly office, requiring a life to be given as a substitute, pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. Take some of its blood
Blood in the Hebrew context, "דָּם" (dam), represents life and atonement. The taking of the blood signifies the transfer of life and the covering of sin, essential for the priests to serve in the presence of a holy God. This foreshadows the New Testament understanding of Christ's blood as the ultimate atonement for sin. Put it on the right earlobe of Aaron and his sons
The right earlobe symbolizes the hearing and obedience to God's word. The Hebrew word for "ear" is "אָזֵן" (ozen), which is often associated with listening and understanding. This act consecrates their ability to hear and discern God's voice, a critical function for those who mediate between God and His people. On the thumbs of their right hands
The thumb represents action and service. The Hebrew word for "hand" is "יָד" (yad), which often signifies power and capability. By anointing the thumb, the priests are set apart for holy service, emphasizing that their actions must be guided by divine instruction and purity. On the big toes of their right feet
The big toe is crucial for balance and movement. The Hebrew word for "foot" is "רֶגֶל" (regel), symbolizing one's walk or conduct. This anointing signifies that the priests' walk must be righteous and aligned with God's path, ensuring that their journey in life is directed by His will. Then sprinkle the remaining blood on all sides of the altar
Sprinkling the blood on the altar, "מִזְבֵּחַ" (mizbeach), sanctifies it for the sacrifices to come. This act represents the purification and dedication of the altar, making it a holy place where God meets His people. It underscores the necessity of blood for atonement and the centrality of sacrifice in worship, ultimately pointing to Christ's sacrifice on the cross. Persons / Places / Events 1. AaronThe brother of Moses, appointed as the first high priest of Israel. His consecration is central to this passage. 2. Aaron's SonsThey are also being consecrated as priests, signifying the establishment of the priestly lineage. 3. The RamA sacrificial animal used in the consecration ceremony, symbolizing atonement and dedication. 4. The AltarThe place of sacrifice, representing God's presence and the focal point of worship. 5. Consecration CeremonyA ritual to set apart Aaron and his sons for the priestly service, involving specific actions and symbolism. Teaching Points Symbolism of BloodThe application of blood on the ear, thumb, and toe signifies the complete dedication of the priest's hearing, actions, and walk to God. As believers, we are called to dedicate every aspect of our lives to God's service. Holistic ConsecrationThe specific parts of the body mentioned (ear, thumb, toe) represent the totality of a person's life. This teaches us that our service to God should be comprehensive, involving our thoughts, actions, and direction in life. The Role of SacrificeThe use of a sacrificial ram underscores the importance of sacrifice in approaching God. In the New Covenant, Jesus is our ultimate sacrifice, and we are called to live sacrificially in response. Priestly IdentityJust as Aaron and his sons were set apart for priestly duties, believers today are called to embrace their identity as a royal priesthood, serving God and others. The Altar's SignificanceThe altar as a place of sacrifice and worship reminds us of the centrality of worship in our relationship with God. Our lives should be centered around worship and devotion. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the consecration of Aaron and his sons in Exodus 29:20 relate to our identity as a "royal priesthood" in 1 Peter 2:9? 2. What does the application of blood on specific body parts teach us about the areas of our lives that need to be dedicated to God? 3. In what ways can we apply the concept of holistic consecration in our daily walk with God? 4. How does the role of sacrifice in the Old Testament priesthood inform our understanding of living sacrificially as described in Romans 12:1? 5. Reflect on the significance of the altar in your personal worship. How can you ensure that worship remains central in your life? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 8This chapter provides a detailed account of the consecration ceremony, reinforcing the instructions given in Exodus 29. Hebrews 9Discusses the significance of blood in the context of the Old and New Covenants, highlighting the necessity of blood for purification and consecration. Isaiah 6Isaiah's vision of being cleansed and commissioned by God parallels the consecration of the priests, emphasizing the need for purification before service. 1 Peter 2:9Describes believers as a royal priesthood, connecting the Old Testament priesthood to the New Testament calling of all Christians. Romans 12:1Encourages believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the dedication and consecration of the priests. People Aaron, Ephah, Israelites, MosesPlaces Egypt, Mount SinaiTopics Aaron, Aaron's, Altar, Big, Blood, Dash, Death, Dropping, Ear, Ears, Foot, Hands, Hast, Kill, Lobe, Lobes, Point, Ram, Rest, Round, Sheep, Sides, Slaughter, Slaughtered, Sons, Sprinkle, Sprinkled, Throw, Thumb, Thumbs, Tip, Tips, Toe, ToesDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 29:20 5148 ear
5192 thumbs Exodus 29:1-34 4681 ram Exodus 29:10-21 7316 blood, OT sacrifices Exodus 29:20-21 7454 sprinkling
7745 ordination
7767 priests, OT institution Library The Copies of Things in the Heavens
'And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 2. On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation. 3. And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and cover the ark with the vail. 4. And thou shalt bring in the table, and set in order the things that are to be set in order upon it; and thou shalt bring in the candlestick, and light the lamps thereof. 5. And thou shalt set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testimony, and put …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureEighth Day. Holiness and Indwelling.
And let them make me a holy place, that I may dwell among them.'--Ex. xxv. 8. 'And the tent shall be sanctified by my glory, and I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God.'--Ex. xxix. 43, 45. The Presence of God makes holy, even when it descends but for a little while, as at Horeb, in the burning bush. How much more must that Presence make holy the place where it dwells, where it fixes its permanent abode! So much is this the case, that the place where God dwells …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ Thirtieth Day. The Unction from the Holy One.
And ye have an anointing from the Holy One, and ye know all things. And as for you, the anointing which ye received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any one teach you; but as His anointing teacheth you concerning all things, and is true, and is no lie, and even as it taught you, ye abide in Him.'--1 John ii. 20, 27. In the revelation by Moses of God's Holiness and His way of making holy, the priests, and specially the high priests, were the chief expression of God's Holiness in man. …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ Sixth Day. Holiness and Glory.
Who is like unto Thee, O Lord! among the gods? Who is like unto Thee, glorious in holiness, Fearful in praises, doing wonders? Thou in Thy mercy hast led Thy people which Thou hast redeemed: Thou hast guided them in Thy strength to the habitation of Thy holiness ... The holy place, O Lord, which Thy hands have established.' --Ex. xv. 11-17. In these words we have another step in advance in the revelation of Holiness. We have here for the first time Holiness predicated of God Himself. He …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ That the Ruler Should be Always Chief in Action.
The ruler should always be chief in action, that by his living he may point out the way of life to those that are put under him, and that the flock, which follows the voice and manners of the shepherd, may learn how to walk better through example than through words. For he who is required by the necessity of his position to speak the highest things is compelled by the same necessity to exhibit the highest things. For that voice more readily penetrates the hearer's heart, which the speaker's life …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Twenty-Fourth Day. Holiness and Cleansing.
Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.'--2 Cor. vii. 1. That holiness is more than cleansing, and must be preceded by it, is taught us in more than one passage of the New Testament. 'Christ loved the Church, and gave Himself up for it, that He might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word.' 'If a man cleanse himself from these, he shall be a vessel …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ Thirtieth Lesson. An Holy Priesthood;'
An holy priesthood;' Or, The Ministry of Intercession. An holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.'--I Peter ii. 5. Ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord.'--Isaiah lxi. 6. THE Spirit of the Lord God is upon me: because the Lord hath anointed me.' These are the words of Jesus in Isaiah. As the fruit of His work all redeemed ones are priests, fellow-partakers with Him of His anointing with the Spirit as High Priest. Like the precious ointment upon …
Andrew Murray—With Christ in the School of Prayer Man's Inability to Keep the Moral Law
Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God? No mere man, since the fall, is able in this life perfectly to keep the commandments of God, but does daily break them, in thought, word, and deed. In many things we offend all.' James 3: 2. Man in his primitive state of innocence, was endowed with ability to keep the whole moral law. He had rectitude of mind, sanctity of will, and perfection of power. He had the copy of God's law written on his heart; no sooner did God command but he obeyed. …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments John's First Testimony to Jesus.
(Bethany Beyond Jordan, February, a.d. 27.) ^D John I. 19-34. ^d 19 And this is the witness of John [John had been sent to testify, "and" this is the matter of his testimony], when the Jews [The term "Jews" is used seventy times by John to describe the ruling classes of Judæa] sent unto him [In thus sending an embassy they honored John more than they ever honored Christ. They looked upon John as a priest and Judæan, but upon Jesus as a carpenter and Galilæan. It is probable that …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Covenant of Works
Q-12: I proceed to the next question, WHAT SPECIAL ACT OF PROVIDENCE DID GOD EXERCISE TOWARDS MAN IN THE ESTATE WHEREIN HE WAS CREATED? A: When God had created man, he entered into a covenant of life with him upon condition of perfect obedience, forbidding him to eat of the tree of knowledge upon pain of death. For this, consult with Gen 2:16, 17: And the Lord commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Exodus 29:20 NIVExodus 29:20 NLTExodus 29:20 ESVExodus 29:20 NASBExodus 29:20 KJV
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