The "Curtain at the Entrance" refers to the fabric barrier that was used in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple to separate sacred spaces and control access to the presence of God. This curtain, also known as the "veil," played a significant role in the religious life of ancient Israel, symbolizing both the holiness of God and the separation between God and humanity due to sin.

Biblical Description and Function

In the construction of the Tabernacle, as described in the Book of Exodus, the curtain at the entrance was a key component. Exodus 26:36-37 states, "For the entrance to the tent, you are to make a curtain of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, the work of an embroiderer. Make five posts of acacia wood for the curtain, overlay them with gold hooks, and cast five bronze bases for them." This curtain served as the entrance to the Holy Place, the first room of the Tabernacle, where the priests would perform their duties.

The curtain was not merely a decorative element but a significant symbol of the separation between the common and the sacred. It marked the boundary that only the priests could cross, emphasizing the holiness required to approach God.

Symbolism and Theological Significance

The curtain at the entrance, along with the inner veil separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, symbolized the barrier between God and humanity. This separation was a constant reminder of the sin that alienates humans from their Creator. The intricate design and the use of precious materials underscored the reverence and awe with which the Israelites were to approach God.

In the New Testament, the tearing of the Temple veil at the moment of Jesus' death is a pivotal event. Matthew 27:51 records, "At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split." This act signified the removal of the barrier between God and humanity, made possible through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It symbolized the new access to God granted to all believers, no longer mediated by the Temple rituals.

Historical Context

The curtain at the entrance of the Tabernacle was part of a larger system of sacred architecture and ritual that defined Israelite worship. The Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary used during the wilderness wanderings, was eventually replaced by Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. The Temple continued the tradition of using curtains to demarcate sacred spaces, with the veil in the Temple serving a similar function to that in the Tabernacle.

The design and materials of the curtain reflected the broader cultural and religious practices of the ancient Near East, where curtains and veils were commonly used in temples to denote sacred areas. However, the specific instructions given to Moses for the Tabernacle's construction were unique to Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh.

Practical Implications for Worship

The curtain at the entrance serves as a reminder of the holiness of God and the reverence required in worship. It underscores the importance of approaching God with humility and respect, recognizing the gravity of sin and the need for atonement. For Christians, the tearing of the veil at Christ's crucifixion is a profound reminder of the access to God made possible through Jesus, encouraging believers to draw near to God with confidence and faith.

In summary, the curtain at the entrance of the Tabernacle and Temple holds deep theological significance, representing both the separation caused by sin and the reconciliation made possible through Christ. It is a powerful symbol of the holiness of God and the transformative power of the Gospel.