How does Hebrews 10:19-20 relate to the veil in Exodus 26:33? Passage Highlights • Exodus 26:33 — “You are to hang the veil under the clasps and bring the ark of the testimony inside, behind the veil. The veil will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.” • Hebrews 10:19-20 — “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body,” The Veil in Exodus 26:33 • Stood as a literal, heavy fabric barrier inside the tabernacle. • Marked the boundary between the Holy Place (where priests served daily) and the Most Holy Place (where God’s presence dwelt above the mercy seat). • Only the high priest could pass through, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:2, 34). • Symbolized both God’s holiness and humanity’s separation because of sin. The Curtain in Hebrews 10:19-20 • Described as “the curtain of His body,” identifying Jesus’ flesh with the Old-Testament veil. • Jesus’ crucifixion opened “a new and living way” into God’s presence, replacing the restricted access of the old covenant. • His shed blood provides the confidence believers need to enter the heavenly Most Holy Place (Hebrews 9:11-12; 10:14). How the Two Passages Interconnect • Typology fulfilled: – The physical veil pointed forward to Christ’s physical body. – Just as the veil was necessary for the tabernacle’s structure, Jesus’ incarnation was essential for redemption (John 1:14). • Removal of the barrier: – At Christ’s death “the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom” (Matthew 27:51), demonstrating God’s initiative. – Hebrews shows that this tearing was spiritual as well as historical; the old barrier has been permanently removed. • Access transformed: – Old covenant: one man, once a year. – New covenant: all believers, at any time, through Christ (Ephesians 2:18). • Continuity and contrast: – Both veils emphasize holiness. – Exodus teaches separation; Hebrews reveals reconciliation through the same God who established both covenants. Practical Implications for Believers Today • Confident approach: No need for earthly mediators; Jesus is the eternal High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16). • Ongoing fellowship: The “new and living way” invites continual communion, not occasional visits (1 John 1:3). • Holiness lived out: Because the veil is gone, believers are called to draw near “with a true heart in full assurance of faith” (Hebrews 10:22), walking in purity that matches their access. • Gospel proclamation: The torn veil proclaims that the way is open for anyone who trusts Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20-21). |
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