Topical Encyclopedia The term "vail," often referred to as the "second veil," holds significant importance in the context of the Tabernacle and the Temple in biblical history. This veil served as a physical and symbolic barrier within the sacred spaces of worship, delineating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, also known as the Holy of Holies.Biblical Description and Function The second veil is described in the Book of Exodus as part of the detailed instructions given to Moses for the construction of the Tabernacle. In Exodus 26:31-33 , it is written: "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, 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." The veil's primary function was to separate the Holy Place, where the priests performed daily rituals, from the Most Holy Place, which housed the Ark of the Covenant. The Most Holy Place was considered the earthly dwelling of God's presence, and only the high priest could enter this sacred space, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), as described in Leviticus 16:2 : "The LORD said to Moses: 'Tell your brother Aaron that he is not to come whenever he chooses into the Most Holy Place behind the veil in front of the mercy seat on the ark, or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud above the mercy seat.'" Symbolism and Theological Significance The second veil symbolized the separation between God and humanity due to sin. It served as a constant reminder of the holiness of God and the need for atonement and mediation. The high priest's annual entry into the Most Holy Place, with the blood of a sacrificial offering, underscored the necessity of a mediator to bridge the gap between a holy God and sinful people. In the New Testament, the tearing of the veil at the moment of Jesus' death is a pivotal event, signifying the removal of the barrier between God and humanity. Matthew 27:51 records this momentous event: "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 is interpreted as symbolizing the new access to God made possible through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the ultimate High Priest. Historical Context and Construction The second veil was an integral part of both the Tabernacle, constructed during the Israelites' wilderness journey, and later the Temple in Jerusalem, built by Solomon. The veil's intricate design, with its use of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, along with cherubim motifs, reflected the heavenly realities it represented. The materials and craftsmanship underscored the sacredness and beauty of the space it guarded. In the Second Temple period, the veil continued to serve its purpose until the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD. Historical accounts, such as those by the Jewish historian Josephus, provide additional insights into the grandeur and significance of the veil during this era. Conclusion The second veil, as described in the Bible, is a profound symbol of the separation between God and humanity, the holiness of God, and the need for atonement. Its tearing at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ marks a transformative moment in Christian theology, representing the new covenant and direct access to God through Christ. Nave's Topical Index Hebrews 6:19Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters into that within the veil; Nave's Topical Index Hebrews 9:3 Library The Second vision "On Earth" Introduction Letter Lx. --To Adelphius , Bishop and Confessor: against the ... Words from the Cross Hymns of Suffering and Trust. A Believer's Privilege at Death Heavenly Worship The Kingly Priesthood of the Saints The Lord's Supper Hymns of Hope and Consolation. Resources What was the significance of the temple veil being torn in two when Jesus died? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Moses have to wear a veil? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about hair length? | GotQuestions.org Vail: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics the Sacred Vail of the Flesh of Christ Which Concealed his Divinity the Sacred Vail of the Obscurity of the Mosaic Age the Sacred Vail was Rent at the Death of Our Lord the Sacred Vail: (Tearing of) the Death of Christ Which Opened Heaven To the Sacred Vail: Designed to Conceal the Ark, Mercy Seat, and the Symbol of the Sacred Vail: Hung Between the Holy and Most Holy Place the Sacred Vail: Made by Bezaleel for the Tabernacle the Sacred Vail: Made by Solomon for the Temple the Sacred Vail: Moses Commanded to Make the Sacred Vail: Suspended from Four Pillars of Shittim Wood Overlaid With the Sacred Vail: The High Priest: Allowed to Enter But Once a Year the Sacred Vail: The High Priest: Alone Allowed to Enter Within the Sacred Vail: The High Priest: Could not Enter Without Blood Vail or Veil of the Spiritual Blindness of the Gentile Nations Vail or Veil of the Spiritual Blindness of the Jewish Nation Vail or Veil was Worn for Concealment Vail or Veil was Worn: As a Token of Modesty Vail or Veil was Worn: As a Token of Subjection Vail or Veil: A Covering for the Head Usually Worn by Women Vail or Veil: Moses Put One on to Conceal the Glory of his Face Vail or Veil: Removing of, Threatened As a Punishment to Ungodly Women Vail or Veil: The Removing of, Considered Rude and Insolent Vail: A Covering for the Ark of the Covenant Vail: Made by Bezaleel and Aholiab Vail: of the Temple: Torn from the Top to the Bottom at the Time of the Crucifixion of Jesus Related Terms Congregation (347 Occurrences) Over-against (156 Occurrences) |
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