Topical Encyclopedia The entrance-curtain, also known as the "veil" or "screen," is a significant element in the design and function of the Tabernacle, as described in the Old Testament. This curtain served as a barrier and a point of transition between the outer court and the Holy Place, emphasizing the sanctity and separation of the sacred spaces within the Tabernacle.Biblical Description and Function The entrance-curtain is first mentioned in the book of Exodus, where God provides Moses with detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle. In Exodus 26:36-37 , the Lord commands, "You are to make a curtain for the entrance to the tent, woven 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 was distinct from the inner veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies). While the inner veil was a symbol of the separation between God and humanity due to sin, the entrance-curtain served as a threshold into the sacred space where priests performed their duties. Symbolism and Theological Significance The entrance-curtain's colors—blue, purple, and scarlet—are rich with symbolic meaning. Blue often represents the heavens and divine revelation, purple signifies royalty and kingship, and scarlet is associated with sacrifice and atonement. The use of finely spun linen indicates purity and righteousness, qualities necessary for approaching a holy God. Theologically, the entrance-curtain underscores the concept of holiness and the need for mediation between God and His people. Only the priests, who were consecrated and set apart for service, could pass through this curtain to minister in the Holy Place. This restriction highlights the holiness of God and the necessity of approaching Him with reverence and purity. New Testament Fulfillment In the New Testament, the entrance-curtain, along with other elements of the Tabernacle, finds its fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 9:11-12 states, "But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made by hands, that is, not of this creation. He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption." Christ, as the ultimate High Priest, provides believers with direct access to God, rendering the physical barriers of the Tabernacle obsolete. The entrance-curtain, therefore, serves as a foreshadowing of the greater access to God made possible through Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection. Conclusion The entrance-curtain of the Tabernacle is a profound symbol of the holiness of God and the separation between the divine and the human. It points forward to the ultimate reconciliation achieved through Christ, who grants believers access to the presence of God. Through the lens of the New Testament, the entrance-curtain is seen not merely as a physical barrier but as a representation of the spiritual realities fulfilled in Jesus. Concordance Entrance-curtain (1 Occurrence)Exodus 35:15 Thesaurus Entrance-curtain (1 Occurrence)Entrance-curtain. Entrance, Entrance-curtain. Entrances . Multi-Version Concordance Entrance-curtain (1 Occurrence). ... /e/entrance-curtain.htm - 6k Entrances (6 Occurrences) Entrance (190 Occurrences) Fragrant (30 Occurrences) Drugs (8 Occurrences) Anointing-oil (1 Occurrence) Resources Who were the sons of Korah in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Shimei in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What was Herod's temple? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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