The placement of the Ark of the Covenant and the veil in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple holds significant theological and liturgical importance in the biblical narrative. These elements are central to the worship practices of ancient Israel and symbolize the presence and holiness of God among His people.

The Ark of the Covenant

The Ark of the Covenant, described in Exodus 25:10-22, was a sacred chest made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold. It contained the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod that budded, and a pot of manna (Hebrews 9:4). The Ark represented God's covenant with Israel and His divine presence. It was topped with the Mercy Seat, where the high priest would sprinkle the blood of the sacrifice on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:14-15).

Placement in the Tabernacle

The Ark was placed in the Most Holy Place, or the Holy of Holies, within the Tabernacle. This was the innermost and most sacred area, separated from the Holy Place by a veil. Exodus 26:33-34 states, "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. Put the mercy seat on the Ark of the Testimony in the Most Holy Place."

The veil served as a barrier between God and man, signifying the holiness of God and the separation caused by sin. Only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement, to make atonement for the sins of the people.

The Veil

The veil itself was a curtain of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, finely twisted linen, with cherubim skillfully woven into it (Exodus 26:31). It was a visual representation of the separation between God and humanity due to sin, yet it also pointed to the hope of reconciliation.

Placement in the Temple

When Solomon built the Temple in Jerusalem, the Ark was placed in the inner sanctuary, the Most Holy Place, beneath the wings of the cherubim (1 Kings 8:6-7). The Temple veil continued to serve the same purpose as in the Tabernacle, maintaining the separation between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place.

Theological Significance

The placement of the Ark and the veil underscores the holiness of God and the need for atonement. The veil's presence highlighted the barrier sin creates between God and humanity, while the Ark's presence signified God's desire to dwell among His people.

In the New Testament, the tearing of the Temple veil at the moment of Jesus' death (Matthew 27:51) symbolizes the removal of the barrier between God and humanity, granting believers direct access to God through the atoning work of Christ. This event marks the fulfillment of the Old Covenant and the establishment of the New Covenant, where believers are invited into the presence of God through faith in Jesus Christ.