Biblical Significance of the Veil: From the Tabernacle to the Tearing at Jesus’ Death
The veil in the context of the Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem was a significant element in the structure of these sacred spaces. It symbolized the separation between God’s holy presence and the people of Israel due to sin. The veil separated the Holy of Holies (the innermost and most sacred area where the presence of God dwelled) from the Holy Place (the outer room where the priests would perform their duties). Only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and even then, only once a year, on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), to offer sacrifices on behalf of the people.
Biblical References to the Veil:
- Exodus 26:31-33 – Description of the Veil in the Tabernacle:
- “You shall make a veil of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen, with cherubim skillfully worked into it. It shall be hung on four pillars of acacia overlaid with gold, with hooks of gold. And you shall hang the veil from the clasps, and bring the ark of the testimony in there, within the veil. The veil shall separate for you the holy place from the most holy.”
- This passage describes the veil in the Tabernacle that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies). It was intricately woven with cherubim and made of luxurious materials, underscoring its importance as a barrier between God and the people.
- Leviticus 16:2 – The High Priest and the Veil:
- “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 curtain in front of the atonement cover on the ark, or else he will die. For I will appear in the cloud over the atonement cover.’”
- The veil (referred to as the “curtain” in some translations) separated the High Priest from the immediate presence of God in the Holy of Holies. The High Priest could only enter once a year, on Yom Kippur, to make atonement for the people’s sins.
- Matthew 27:51 – The Veil Torn After Jesus’ Death:
- “At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split…”
- The veil of the Temple was torn when Jesus Christ died on the cross, symbolizing the removal of the barrier between God and humanity. This act signifies that through Jesus’s death, believers now have direct access to God’s presence, no longer requiring an intermediary (like the High Priest).
- Hebrews 10:19-20 – Access to the Holy of Holies Through Christ:
- “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body…”
- The veil is symbolically referred to as Jesus’ body, and through His sacrifice, believers now have access to the Holy of Holies (God’s presence), something that was once restricted and required the High Priest to enter.
Symbolism of the Veil:
- Separation: The veil in both the Tabernacle and the Temple was a physical and spiritual barrier between the holy presence of God and humanity, signifying the separation caused by sin.
- Access Through Christ: With the tearing of the veil at Jesus’ crucifixion, the separation was removed, symbolizing that through Jesus’ sacrifice, all people now have access to God without needing an intermediary.
Conclusion:
The veil in the Tabernacle and Temple was a key element in the system of worship and atonement for the Israelites. It marked the sacredness of God’s presence, which could only be accessed by the High Priest under specific conditions. However, the death of Jesus Christ tore the veil, opening the way for all believers to enter the Most Holy Place and approach God directly, no longer needing sacrifices or intermediaries. The veil’s tearing marks a fundamental shift in the relationship between humanity and God, made possible through Jesus’ atoning sacrifice
