What Old Testament events relate to the veil mentioned in 2 Corinthians 3:16? Framing the Question “But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.” (2 Corinthians 3:16) Paul assumes his readers know earlier “veil” moments. Tracing those Old Testament scenes clarifies why turning to the Lord removes a barrier that once kept people at a distance. The Face Veil of Moses—Exodus 34:29-35 • After receiving the law a second time, Moses’ face shone with reflected glory. • Exodus 34:33-34: “When Moses finished speaking with them, he put a veil over his face. But whenever Moses went before the LORD to speak with Him, he would remove the veil until he came out.” • The veil hid a fading splendor (cf. 2 Corinthians 3:13). Israel saw glory dimly; Moses saw God directly. Paul uses that picture to contrast the fading ministry of law with the permanent glory given by the Spirit. The Tabernacle Veil—Exodus 26:31-33; 40:21 • A heavy embroidered curtain separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. • Exodus 26:33: “The veil will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.” • Exodus 40:21: “He brought the ark into the tabernacle, put the curtain of the veil to screen it.” • The veil announced: “Thus far and no farther.” God’s holiness stayed veiled; people stayed outside—except one man, one day each year. Day of Atonement Behind the Veil—Leviticus 16 • Leviticus 16:2: “Tell your brother Aaron that he is not to come…into the Most Holy Place behind the veil…or he will die.” • Only after elaborate sacrifice and cleansing could the high priest pass the veil, sprinkle blood, and emerge to bless the people (Leviticus 16:12-15). • That yearly drama underscored that sin blocks access and only shed blood opens the way—anticipating the once-for-all work of Christ (Hebrews 9:7-12). Prophetic Glimpse of a Removed Veil—Isaiah 25:7 • Isaiah 25:7: “On this mountain He will swallow up the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations.” • The prophecy foretells God removing a universal covering. Paul sees its fulfillment when hearts “turn to the Lord” and behold His glory with unveiled faces (2 Corinthians 3:18). How These Events Converge in 2 Corinthians 3:16 • Moses’ face veil: shows fading, temporary glory of the old covenant. • Tabernacle veil: shows restricted access to God’s presence. • Day of Atonement ritual: shows blood needed to cross the veil. • Isaiah’s promise: shows God’s intent to lift the barrier for all peoples. When anyone turns to the Lord Jesus—whose blood tore the temple veil (Matthew 27:51) and whose glory never fades—the symbols meet their fulfillment. The Spirit grants direct, unveiled access so we “all, with unveiled faces, reflect the Lord’s glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18). |
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