How does Exodus 26:31's design reflect God's holiness and presence among His people? The Verse in Focus “Make a veil of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, with cherubim skillfully worked into it.” (Exodus 26:31) Visual Details and Their Meaning • Blue – the color of the heavens, pointing to God’s transcendence • Purple – royal dignity, underscoring the King who dwells within • Scarlet – a reminder of substitutionary sacrifice that allows sinners to approach a holy God (cf. Leviticus 17:11) • Finely spun linen – purity without blemish, mirroring God’s moral perfection • Cherubim woven in – angelic guardians who proclaim that the space beyond is uniquely sacred (cf. Genesis 3:24) The Veil as a Barrier and Invitation • Placed between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place (Exodus 26:33) • Only the high priest could pass through, and only once a year, after blood was offered for sin (Leviticus 16:2, 34) • The barrier shouted, “God is present—come no closer without atonement,” while the very existence of a veil (instead of a solid wall) whispered, “A way will one day be opened.” Witnesses to God’s Holiness Elsewhere in Scripture • Moses removing his sandals at the burning bush (Exodus 3:5) • Isaiah’s vision of seraphim crying “Holy, holy, holy” (Isaiah 6:1-3) • Uzzah struck down for touching the ark (2 Samuel 6:6-7) In each scene, separation safeguards sinful humanity from consuming holiness—just as the veil does. Seeing Christ in the Veil • At His death “the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom” (Matthew 27:51), picturing direct access secured by His blood (Hebrews 10:19-20). • Cherubim on the veil once barred entrance; now believers enter the true Most Holy Place “by a new and living way” (Hebrews 10:20). Living Out the Message Today • Reverence—approach God’s presence in worship aware of His blazing purity. • Gratitude—remember the torn veil and rejoice that Christ fulfilled the design’s promise. • Holiness—because God now dwells within His people (1 Corinthians 3:16-17), pursue the same purity the veil proclaimed. |
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