Exodus 29:20Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The blood of the Lamb, used to anoint the ears, represents the sanctity of the flawless; the anointing of the hands denotes the status of the just, while the anointing of the feet reflects the position of the repentant. Some interpret the ears as symbolizing heavenly beings, the hands as representing earthly creatures, and the feet as indicative of human bodies. Furthermore, they assert that the ears symbolize attentiveness and submission, the hands represent the performance of righteous deeds, and the feet signify the pursuit of virtue.

This refers to the ram designated for the "ordination of the priesthood" (v. 22. LXX.), as noted in Leviticus chapter 8. The initial two offerings were universal sacrifices, established by divine decree for all the faithful; the third offering, however, was specifically for the consecration of Aaron and the priests. Its blood, along with anointing oil, was applied to those chosen to undertake the service of God. According to Leviticus 8:22-24, the blood of the ordination ram (v. 31) was used by Moses to anoint the tip of the right ear, the thumb of the right hand, and the big toe of the right foot of each individual entering the priestly office. Their holy garments were also anointed with this blood.