What significance does the veil hold in the context of the Tabernacle's design? The Tabernacle’s Layout and the Veil Exodus 26:33: “Hang the veil from the clasps and place the ark of the Testimony behind the veil. So the veil will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.” • The Tabernacle had three zones: the outer court, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place. • The veil stood between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place, where the ark—God’s earthly throne—rested. • Its position and design (fine linen, blue, purple, scarlet, cherubim) announced that anyone approaching was coming near the heavenly King. A Barrier of Holiness • Leviticus 16:2: “Tell your brother Aaron not to enter at any time into the Most Holy Place behind the veil… or he will die.” • The veil proclaimed God’s absolute holiness and man’s unfitness to stroll casually into His presence. • Only the high priest, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:29-34), could pass it—always with sacrificial blood. • Its very existence taught Israel the fear of the Lord and the cost of sin. Access Granted through Sacrifice • Hebrews 9:7: “Only the high priest entered the second room, and only once a year, and never without blood.” • Blood on the mercy seat signified that atonement was required for fellowship. • The veil therefore highlighted grace as well as judgment: God provided a way, yet on His terms. Foreshadowing Christ • Hebrews 10:19-20 connects the veil with Jesus’ flesh: “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the veil—that is, His flesh—” • Matthew 27:51 records the moment of crucifixion: “At that instant the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.” • Top-to-bottom tearing signals God Himself removing the barrier. Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice fulfilled everything the veil and the Day of Atonement pictured. Living Implications for Believers • Bold Access: Hebrews 4:16 invites us to “approach the throne of grace with confidence.” The veil’s removal means we can draw near anytime. • Holiness Maintained: 1 Peter 1:16 still says, “Be holy, because I am holy.” Freedom to enter does not diminish God’s purity; it invites us to pursue it. • Mediation Completed: There is “one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). We rest in His finished work rather than rituals. • Worship Redefined: No physical curtain now restricts God’s presence. Our hearts become the sanctuary (1 Corinthians 6:19), calling for continual, surrendered worship. |
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