Exodus 29:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 29:20
20 Then shalt thou kill the ram, and take of his blood, and put it upon the tip of the right ear of Aaron, and upon the tip of the right ear of his sons, and upon the thumb of their right hand, and upon the great toe of their right foot, and sprinkle the blood upon the altar round about.
Chapter Context
Exodus 29 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, love, sacrifice. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-46: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 29:20
20 Then shalt thou kill the ram, and take of his blood, and put it upon the tip of the right ear of Aaron, and upon the tip of the right ear of his sons, and upon the thumb of their right hand, and upon the great toe of their right foot, and sprinkle the blood upon the altar round about.
Analysis
The consecration ram's blood applied to Aaron's right ear, thumb, and toe symbolizes that priests must hear God's word (ear), act on it (thumb/hand), and walk in it (toe/foot). Blood application sanctifies these members for holy service. Christ's blood sanctifies our hearing, working, and walking—our complete life consecrated through His atonement. The right side emphasizes the place of honor and strength.
Historical Context
The blood application ceremony was unique to priestly consecration, marking the priests as blood-sanctified for service. This visible sign testified to their cleansing and separation for God's purposes.
Reflection
- How does Christ's blood sanctify your hearing, working, and walking?
- What does the 'right' (ear, hand, foot) emphasis teach about strength in service?
Word Studies
- Altar: מִזְבֵּחַ (Mizbeach) H4196 - Altar, place of sacrifice