How does Exodus 40:3 connect to the New Testament understanding of God's dwelling? The Ark Behind the Veil: Exodus 40:3 “Put the ark of the Testimony in it and screen off the ark with the veil.” (Exodus 40:3) • The ark—the very throne of God on earth—was set at the center of the tabernacle. • A heavy veil separated this holy place from all but the high priest, and then only once a year (Leviticus 16:2). • God truly dwelt among Israel, yet distance and curtain reminded the people that sin still barred full access. A Pattern Pointing Forward Scripture treats the tabernacle as a living parable: • Hebrews 8:5—“They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven.” • Hebrews 9:9—“This is an illustration for the present time.” Every curtain, golden board, and priestly step whispered, “Something greater is coming.” God Moves In—Through Flesh, Not Fabric • John 1:14—“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” • “Dwelling” translates literally, “tabernacled.” • Jesus is God’s presence without a veil. • John 2:19-21—His body is called “this temple.” • The ark pointed to Him; the veil anticipated His torn flesh (Hebrews 10:19-20). • At His death, “the veil of the temple was torn in two” (Matthew 27:51). • God Himself removed the barrier Exodus 40:3 had required. The Spirit Makes Believers His House • 1 Corinthians 3:16—“You yourselves are God’s temple, and…God’s Spirit dwells in you.” • 1 Corinthians 6:19—each believer’s body becomes “a temple of the Holy Spirit.” • Ephesians 2:19-22—together we are “a dwelling place for God in His Spirit,” built on Christ the cornerstone. Where the ark once rested in a wooden-and-linen chamber, God now rests in living hearts and the gathered church. No More Curtains—A Promise Yet to Bloom • 2 Corinthians 6:16—“I will live with them and walk among them.” • Revelation 21:3—“Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man.” • Revelation 21:22—no temple is needed in the New Jerusalem, “because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.” The trajectory is clear: 1. Exodus 40: God dwells, but behind a veil. 2. Gospels: God dwells in Christ, veil torn. 3. Church age: God dwells by His Spirit in believers. 4. Eternity: God dwells openly, face to face, forever. Thus Exodus 40:3 is the seed; the New Testament is the blossoming tree. The ark behind the veil anticipated an unveiled Savior, an indwelling Spirit, and an everlasting home where nothing will ever separate God from His people again. |
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