The "Veil of the Covering" is a term that appears in the context of the tabernacle and temple worship in the Old Testament, specifically referring to the sacred curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, also known as the Holy of Holies. This veil held significant theological and symbolic meaning within the Israelite religious system.

Biblical References:

The primary references to the veil are found in the descriptions of the tabernacle in the wilderness and later in Solomon's Temple. In Exodus 26:31-33 , God instructs Moses on the construction of the tabernacle, saying, "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 served as a physical and symbolic barrier between God and humanity, emphasizing 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 (Yom Kippur), as described in Leviticus 16:2 : "The LORD said to Moses: 'Tell your brother Aaron that he shall not enter at any time into the Holy Place inside the veil, before the mercy seat which is on the ark, or he will die; for I will appear in the cloud over the mercy seat.'"

Symbolism and Theological Significance:

The veil's intricate design, with cherubim woven into it, symbolized the heavenly realm and the presence of God. The cherubim were reminiscent of the guardians of Eden, suggesting that access to God's presence was restricted due to human sinfulness.

Theologically, the veil represented the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity. This separation was a constant reminder of the need for atonement and the limitations of the Old Covenant sacrificial system. The high priest's annual entry into the Most Holy Place foreshadowed the ultimate atonement that would be accomplished through Jesus Christ.

New Testament Fulfillment:

The tearing of the veil at the moment of Christ's death is a pivotal event recorded in the New Testament. In Matthew 27:50-51 , it is written, "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."

This miraculous event signified the end of the Old Covenant and the establishment of the New Covenant. The tearing of the veil symbolized the removal of the barrier between God and humanity, granting believers direct access to God through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. As the author of Hebrews explains, "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 veil of His flesh" (Hebrews 10:19-20).

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, veils and curtains were commonly used in temples to demarcate sacred spaces. The use of a veil in the Israelite tabernacle and temple was consistent with this cultural practice, yet it carried unique theological implications rooted in the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

The veil's materials and colors—blue, purple, and scarlet—were costly and symbolized royalty and divinity, further underscoring the sacredness of the space it enclosed. The craftsmanship required to create such a veil would have been considerable, reflecting the importance of the tabernacle and temple as the dwelling place of God among His people.

Conclusion:

The "Veil of the Covering" serves as a profound symbol of both separation and reconciliation in the biblical narrative. Its presence in the tabernacle and temple highlighted the holiness of God and the need for atonement, while its tearing at the crucifixion of Christ heralded the new access to God made possible through Jesus' sacrificial death.