The Verse

Exodus 29:20 (KJV): "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."

Context and Meaning

Exodus 29:20 is part of the detailed instructions YAHUAH gave to Moses concerning the consecration (ordination) of Aaron and his sons as priests. This ritual involved sacrificing a ram and applying its blood to specific parts of their bodies—the right ear, right thumb, and right big toe—symbolizing their complete dedication to YAHUAH's service.

Symbolic Significance

• Right Ear: Consecration of hearing—to hear and obey YAHUAH's Word
• Right Thumb: Consecration of actions—to do the work of YAHUAH with their hands
• Right Big Toe: Consecration of walk—to walk in YAHUAH's ways and commandments

Full Context: Exodus 29

The entire chapter of Exodus 29 details the consecration ceremony for the priesthood:

Key Elements of the Consecration (Exodus 29:1-37)

1. Verses 1-3: Preparation of offerings—a young bull, two rams without blemish, unleavened bread, cakes, and wafers
2. Verses 4-9: Washing and clothing Aaron and his sons with priestly garments
3. Verses 10-14: The sin offering—sacrificing the bull for atonement
4. Verses 15-18: The burnt offering—the first ram completely burned on the altar
5. Verses 19-21: The consecration offering—the second ram, with blood applied (v. 20) and oil sprinkled
6. Verses 22-28: The wave offering and portions for the priests
7. Verses 29-30: Priestly garments to be passed down through generations
8. Verses 31-34: Eating the consecrated meat
9. Verses 35-37: The seven-day consecration period