Leviticus 14:28 – “Some of the oil in his palm he is to put on the same places he put the blood of the guilt offering—on the lobe of the right ear of the one to be cleansed, on the thumb of their right hand and on the big toe of their right foot.”
Extended Explanation
Leviticus 14:28 describes a specific part of the cleansing ritual for someone who has been healed from a serious skin disease, such as leprosy. After the blood of the guilt offering is applied to certain parts of the person’s body, the priest takes some of the oil from his palm and puts it on the same spots—the lobe of the right ear, the thumb of the right hand, and the big toe of the right foot. This ritual was a symbolic act that represented the total consecration of the healed person to God. Each location—the ear, the hand, and the foot—symbolizes different aspects of the person’s life.
The ear represents hearing and listening, suggesting that the person should now be attentive to God’s voice and His commandments. The thumb of the right hand symbolizes action and work, indicating that their deeds should be in service to God. The big toe of the right foot represents the path they walk, implying that their entire way of life should be dedicated to following God. The oil being applied on the same spots as the blood signifies that after the cleansing from sin (symbolized by the blood), there comes a consecration and dedication to God (symbolized by the oil).
Historical Context
Leviticus is a book that lays out the laws and rituals given by God to the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt. These laws were meant to guide the Israelites in living as God’s holy people, distinct from the surrounding nations. Leviticus 14 deals specifically with the cleansing rituals for those who have been healed from defiling skin diseases, which were seen as a form of uncleanness that separated them from the community and from God’s presence.
In the context of ancient Israel, a person declared unclean was cut off from both community life and worship. When a person was healed, they had to undergo a purification process involving sacrifices and anointing to be fully restored to the community and to worship life. The ritual described in Leviticus 14:28 reflects the thoroughness required to approach God. It was not enough just to be physically healed; one had to be spiritually cleansed and dedicated to God as well.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Leviticus 14:28 demonstrates the comprehensive nature of God’s cleansing and consecration. The application of both blood and oil to the ear, thumb, and toe highlights that God’s work in a person’s life is all-encompassing. He desires not only to cleanse us from sin but also to consecrate every part of our lives to His service. The ear, hand, and foot together represent our thoughts, actions, and the direction of our lives.
The blood represents the atonement necessary for sin, while the oil represents the Holy Spirit’s work of sanctification. This verse shows that God provides both forgiveness and empowerment to live a holy life. The application of the oil in the same places where the blood was applied points to the idea that our cleansing (by the blood) and our calling (by the Spirit) are deeply connected. This foreshadows the New Testament teaching that believers are both cleansed by the blood of Jesus and filled with the Holy Spirit for service.
Literary Analysis
Leviticus 14 is written in a detailed and structured manner, reflecting the importance and sacredness of the rituals it describes. The language is precise, providing step-by-step instructions for the priests to follow. This detail emphasizes the holiness of God and the seriousness of approaching Him. The repetition of actions—applying both blood and oil—creates a sense of thoroughness and completeness.
The use of specific body parts in the ritual—the ear, thumb, and toe—creates a vivid and symbolic picture. The ear represents what one hears, the hand represents what one does, and the foot represents where one goes. The repetition of applying the oil on the same places as the blood reinforces the connection between atonement and consecration, between cleansing from sin and living a life dedicated to God.
Biblical Cross-References
Several passages in the Bible resonate with the themes found in Leviticus 14:28:
- Exodus 29:20 – “Slaughter it, take some of its blood and put it on the lobes of the right ears of Aaron and his sons, on the thumbs of their right hands and on the big toes of their right feet.” This similar ritual for the consecration of priests shows the connection between cleansing, consecration, and service to God.
- Isaiah 6:8 – “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!'” This verse reflects the call to hear, respond, and act upon God’s voice, just as the anointing of the ear, hand, and foot symbolizes dedication to God.
- Romans 12:1 – “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” This New Testament passage emphasizes the idea of consecrating our whole selves to God, much like the person healed from a skin disease was consecrated in Leviticus.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Leviticus 14:28 serves as a powerful reminder that God desires every part of our lives to be dedicated to Him. Just as the person healed from a skin disease was anointed on the ear, hand, and foot, we are called to listen to God’s voice, serve Him with our actions, and walk in His ways. This verse challenges believers to consider how they can consecrate their thoughts, deeds, and life paths to God’s service.
It also points to the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Just as the oil was applied after the blood, believers today are cleansed by the blood of Jesus and then filled with the Holy Spirit for holy living. This process of spiritual cleansing and consecration is not just a one-time event but a continual journey of drawing closer to God and becoming more like Christ.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows that God is not only concerned with our outward health and actions but also with our inner spiritual state. His desire for a complete cleansing and consecration reflects His love for His people. God’s instructions for such a thorough ritual indicate His care for the whole person—body, mind, and spirit.
The fact that God provided a way for those who were once unclean to be fully restored shows His compassion and desire for reconciliation. God is not distant or indifferent; He actively seeks to bring His people back to Himself, fully restored and dedicated to His purposes.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Leviticus 14:28 points forward to the work of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled all the Old Testament laws and rituals. Just as the person healed from a skin disease had to be cleansed with blood and then anointed with oil, believers in Christ are cleansed by His blood and anointed by the Holy Spirit. 1 John 1:7 says, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate fulfillment of the cleansing required by the law.
Furthermore, the anointing with oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit’s presence and work. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 states, “Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” Through Jesus, believers are cleansed, set apart, and empowered by the Spirit to live holy lives dedicated to God.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does the ritual of anointing the ear, hand, and foot teach us about living a life dedicated to God?
- In what ways can we consecrate our hearing, actions, and paths to God in our daily lives?
- How does understanding the connection between cleansing and anointing deepen our appreciation for Jesus’ work on the cross?
- How can we rely more on the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives to live in a way that honors God?
- How does knowing God’s desire for full restoration and dedication encourage you in your spiritual journey?
Leviticus 14:28 speaks to the heart of God’s desire for His people to be wholly dedicated to Him, and it finds its ultimate fulfillment in the work of Jesus Christ and the ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.