Topical Encyclopedia In the rich tapestry of Old Testament symbolism, the curtain, or veil, of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, stands as a profound type of the Saviour, Jesus Christ. This sacred partition, described in detail in the book of Exodus, served as a physical and spiritual barrier between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place, where the presence of God dwelt above the Ark of the Covenant.Biblical Description and Function The curtain is first introduced in Exodus 26:31-33 : "You are to make a veil of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, with cherubim skillfully worked into it. Hang it with gold hooks on four posts of acacia wood overlaid with gold and standing on four silver bases. Hang the veil from the clasps and place the Ark of the Testimony behind the veil. The veil will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place." This veil was not merely a decorative element but a critical component of the Tabernacle's design, signifying the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity. Only the high priest could pass beyond the veil, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement, to offer the blood of the sacrifice for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:2, 15-16). Typology of the Saviour The curtain as a type of Christ is most vividly illustrated in the New Testament, particularly in the events surrounding the crucifixion. In Matthew 27:50-51 , we read: "When Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, He yielded up His spirit. At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split." The tearing of the veil at the moment of Jesus' death is deeply symbolic. It signifies the removal of the barrier between God and humanity, accomplished through the atoning sacrifice of Christ. Hebrews 10:19-20 further elucidates this typology: "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body." Here, the author of Hebrews explicitly identifies the curtain with the body of Christ, emphasizing that through His sacrificial death, believers now have direct access to God. This access is not limited to a high priest or a specific time but is available to all who come to God through faith in Jesus. Symbolism and Significance The materials and colors of the curtain—blue, purple, and scarlet—are also significant. Blue often represents heaven or divinity, purple signifies royalty, and scarlet symbolizes sacrifice or atonement. These elements collectively point to the divine nature, kingly authority, and sacrificial mission of Jesus Christ. Moreover, the cherubim woven into the fabric of the curtain recall the cherubim placed at the entrance to the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:24), guarding the way to the Tree of Life. In Christ, the way to eternal life is reopened, and the cherubim's guardianship is fulfilled in the person and work of the Saviour. Conclusion The curtain of the Tabernacle and Temple serves as a powerful type of the Saviour, illustrating the profound theological truths of separation, atonement, and reconciliation. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the barrier between God and humanity is removed, granting believers access to the presence of God and the promise of eternal life. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 40:21And he brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up the veil of the covering, and covered the ark of the testimony; as the LORD commanded Moses. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 3:14 Hebrews 10:20 Library Scriptural Types. Folly of the Arguments Derived by the Heretics from Numbers ... Notes The Gospel of Luke In Judaea Confession of Sin Illustrated by the Cases of Dr. Pritchard and ... The Silence of Scripture The Man Christ Jesus The Rent Veil Solomon's Temple Spiritualized Resources What are the different types of angels? | GotQuestions.orgAre there different types of demons? | GotQuestions.org What are the different types of love mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Types of Christ: Ark of the Covenant Types of Christ: Atonement, Sacrifices offered on the Day of Types of Christ: Brazen Serpent Types of Christ: Burnt offering Types of Christ: Cities of Refuge Types of Christ: Golden Candlestick Types of Christ: Jacob's Ladder Types of Christ: Laver of Brass Types of Christ: Leper's offering Types of Christ: Morning and Evening Sacrifices Types of Christ: Peace offerings Types of Christ: Rock of Horeb Types of Christ: Table and Show Bread Types of Christ: Trespass offering Types of Christ: Vail of the Tabernacle and Temple Types of the Saviour: High Priest, Typical of the Mediatorship Types of the Saviour: Melchizedek Types of the Saviour: The Bronze Altar Types of the Saviour: The Bronze Laver Types of the Saviour: The Bronze Serpent Types of the Saviour: The Cities of Refuge Types of the Saviour: The Curtain Types of the Saviour: The Institutions Ordained by Moses Types of the Saviour: The Mercy-Seat Types of the Saviour: The Morning and Evening Sacrifice Types of the Saviour: The Paschal Lamb Types of the Saviour: The Red Heifer Types of the Saviour: The Sacrifices Types of the Saviour: The Tree of Life Types: Miscellaneous: Bride, a Type of the Body of Christ Types: Miscellaneous: The Sanctuary a Type of the Heavenly Sanctuary Types: Miscellaneous: The Saving of Noah and his Family, of the Salvation Through the Gospel Related Terms |
    |