Exodus 29:20 - Then you shall kill the ram, and take some of its 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 big toe of their right foot, and sprinkle the blood around on the altar.
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What does "Exodus 29:20" mean?
Exodus 29:20 describes a specific ritual within the ordination ceremony for Aaron and his sons as priests. The verse outlines the application of the ram's blood to certain parts of their bodies and the altar. Understanding the significance requires looking at the symbolic meanings of blood, the body parts targeted, and the context of the overall ordination process.
Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
The Ram: The ram is a sacrificial animal, specifically a ram of consecration as outlined in the broader passage (Exodus 29). Sacrifices were used to atone for sin and to dedicate something or someone to God.
The Blood: In the Old Testament, blood represents life itself and is used for purification and atonement. The application of blood signifies cleansing and dedication.
"You shall kill the ram, and take some of its blood...": This emphasizes the active role that Moses plays in performing the sacrifice as a representative of God.
"...and put it on the tip of the right ear of Aaron, and on the tip of the right ear of his sons...": The ear symbolizes the ability to hear and obey God's word. Applying blood to the right ear emphasizes that the priests must be attentive and obedient to God's commands, listening to and acting upon his instructions. Being the right ear, it's given more prominence and importance.
"...and on the thumb of their right hand...": The thumb is crucial for skilled labor and actions. Applying blood to the thumb signifies that all their actions and work should be dedicated to God's service. The right hand is often associated with strength, skill, and righteousness.
"...and on the big toe of their right foot...": The big toe is essential for walking and direction. Applying blood to the big toe signifies that their entire life's journey and path should be guided by God. The right foot represents the direction the priest will take in serving God.
"...and sprinkle the blood around on the altar.": The altar represents God's presence and is the place where sacrifices are offered. Sprinkling the blood on the altar signifies that the sacrifice is acceptable to God and that the atonement is complete. It also links the priests' consecration to the established system of worship.
In summary, the verse symbolizes a complete dedication of the priests to God's service. It signifies:
Purification: Cleansing from sin through the sacrifice.
Consecration: Setting apart for a sacred purpose.
Obedience: Commitment to hearing and obeying God's word (ears).
Service: Dedicating all actions and work to God (hands).
Direction: Guiding their life's journey by God's will (feet).
Acceptance: Acknowledging that the sacrifice is pleasing to God through sprinkling blood on the altar.
This ritual was a powerful visual and symbolic representation of the priests' complete submission and devotion to God, preparing them to serve in the Tabernacle and represent the people before God. It was an inauguration into their sacred role.
Exodus 29:20 - Then you shall kill the ram, and take some of its 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 big toe of their right foot, and sprinkle the blood around on the altar.
What does "Exodus 29:20" mean?
Exodus 29:20 describes a specific ritual within the ordination ceremony for Aaron and his sons as priests. The verse outlines the application of the ram's blood to certain parts of their bodies and the altar. Understanding the significance requires looking at the symbolic meanings of blood, the body parts targeted, and the context of the overall ordination process.
Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
The Ram: The ram is a sacrificial animal, specifically a ram of consecration as outlined in the broader passage (Exodus 29). Sacrifices were used to atone for sin and to dedicate something or someone to God.
The Blood: In the Old Testament, blood represents life itself and is used for purification and atonement. The application of blood signifies cleansing and dedication.
"You shall kill the ram, and take some of its blood...": This emphasizes the active role that Moses plays in performing the sacrifice as a representative of God.
"...and put it on the tip of the right ear of Aaron, and on the tip of the right ear of his sons...": The ear symbolizes the ability to hear and obey God's word. Applying blood to the right ear emphasizes that the priests must be attentive and obedient to God's commands, listening to and acting upon his instructions. Being the right ear, it's given more prominence and importance.
"...and on the thumb of their right hand...": The thumb is crucial for skilled labor and actions. Applying blood to the thumb signifies that all their actions and work should be dedicated to God's service. The right hand is often associated with strength, skill, and righteousness.
"...and on the big toe of their right foot...": The big toe is essential for walking and direction. Applying blood to the big toe signifies that their entire life's journey and path should be guided by God. The right foot represents the direction the priest will take in serving God.
"...and sprinkle the blood around on the altar.": The altar represents God's presence and is the place where sacrifices are offered. Sprinkling the blood on the altar signifies that the sacrifice is acceptable to God and that the atonement is complete. It also links the priests' consecration to the established system of worship.
In summary, the verse symbolizes a complete dedication of the priests to God's service. It signifies:
Purification: Cleansing from sin through the sacrifice.
Consecration: Setting apart for a sacred purpose.
Obedience: Commitment to hearing and obeying God's word (ears).
Service: Dedicating all actions and work to God (hands).
Direction: Guiding their life's journey by God's will (feet).
Acceptance: Acknowledging that the sacrifice is pleasing to God through sprinkling blood on the altar.
This ritual was a powerful visual and symbolic representation of the priests' complete submission and devotion to God, preparing them to serve in the Tabernacle and represent the people before God. It was an inauguration into their sacred role.