Exodus 26:31

Make a veil of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, with cherubim skillfully worked into it.

Study Bible

Make a veil
The veil in the Tabernacle served as a physical barrier separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, symbolizing the separation between God and humanity due to sin. It was a critical component of the Tabernacle, emphasizing the holiness of God and the need for mediation.

of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn
These colors were significant in ancient Israelite culture. Blue often represented the heavens or divinity, purple was associated with royalty and wealth, and scarlet symbolized sacrifice and atonement. The use of these colors in the veil highlighted the divine and kingly nature of God, as well as the sacrificial system that pointed to the need for atonement.

and finely spun linen
Linen was a high-quality fabric, symbolizing purity and righteousness. The use of finely spun linen in the veil underscored the purity required to approach God. Linen was also used in the garments of the priests, further connecting the theme of holiness and service.

with cherubim skillfully worked into it
Cherubim are angelic beings often associated with the presence of God. Their depiction on the veil signified the guarding of the divine presence, reminiscent of the cherubim placed at the entrance of the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:24). This imagery reinforced the idea that access to God was restricted and required divine permission.

The veil itself is a type of Jesus Christ, who, through His death, tore the veil, granting believers direct access to God (Matthew 27:51; Hebrews 10:19-20). The colors and materials used in the veil also point to Christ's divine nature, royal authority, and sacrificial role.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received the instructions for the Tabernacle from God on Mount Sinai.

2. Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary where God dwelled among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.

3. Veil
A curtain separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in the Tabernacle, symbolizing the separation between God and humanity.

4. Cherubim
Angelic beings depicted on the veil, representing the presence and holiness of God.

5. Israelites
The people of God who were commanded to construct the Tabernacle according to the divine pattern given to Moses.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of the Veil
The veil represents the holiness of God and the separation caused by sin. It reminds us of the need for a mediator between God and humanity.

Colors and Materials
The use of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, along with finely spun linen, signifies royalty, divinity, and sacrifice. These elements point to the majesty and purity of God.

Role of the Cherubim
The cherubim on the veil symbolize God's presence and protection. They remind us of the importance of reverence and worship in approaching God.

Christ as the Fulfillment
Jesus' sacrifice tore the veil, granting believers direct access to God. This encourages us to approach God with confidence and gratitude.

Holiness and Worship
The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle emphasize the importance of worshiping God according to His standards, highlighting the need for holiness in our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the design and purpose of the veil in the Tabernacle reflect the nature of God's holiness?

2. In what ways does the tearing of the temple veil at Jesus' crucifixion impact our understanding of access to God?

3. How do the colors and materials used in the veil's construction point to the character and work of Christ?

4. What can we learn from the presence of cherubim on the veil about the nature of worship and reverence?

5. How can the concept of the Tabernacle and its elements, including the veil, inform our approach to worship and relationship with God today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 9
Discusses the significance of the Tabernacle and its elements, including the veil, as a foreshadowing of Christ's work.

Matthew 27:51
Describes the tearing of the temple veil at Jesus' crucifixion, symbolizing the removal of the barrier between God and humanity.

2 Chronicles 3:14
Provides a description of the veil in Solomon's Temple, showing continuity in the design and symbolism from the Tabernacle to the Temple.

Leviticus 16
Details the Day of Atonement, when the high priest would enter the Most Holy Place, highlighting the veil's role in the sacrificial system.

John 1:14
Relates to the concept of God dwelling among His people, as the Word became flesh and "tabernacled" among us.