Exodus 26:33

And hang the veil from the clasps and place the ark of the Testimony behind the veil. So the veil will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.

Study Bible

And you are to hang the veil from the clasps
The instruction to "hang the veil" signifies a deliberate act of separation and sanctification. The Hebrew word for "veil" is "פָּרֹכֶת" (paroket), which denotes a curtain or screen. This veil was not merely a decorative element but a profound symbol of the boundary between the holy and the most holy. In the context of the Tabernacle, it represented the separation between God and man due to sin, yet also pointed to the eventual reconciliation through Christ, who would tear the veil, granting access to God's presence.

and you are to bring the ark of the Testimony behind the veil
The "ark of the Testimony" refers to the Ark of the Covenant, which housed the tablets of the Law, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna. The Hebrew term for "Testimony" is "עֵדוּת" (edut), meaning witness or testimony. This ark was a tangible representation of God's covenant with Israel, a reminder of His promises and His presence. Placing it "behind the veil" emphasized the sacredness and the inaccessibility of God's holiness, accessible only through the high priest once a year on the Day of Atonement.

The veil will separate for you the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place
The phrase "separate for you" underscores the intentional division established by God. The Hebrew root "בָּדַל" (badal) means to divide or distinguish. This separation was not arbitrary but divinely ordained, teaching the Israelites about the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin. The "Holy Place" and the "Most Holy Place" (or Holy of Holies) were distinct areas within the Tabernacle, each with specific functions and levels of sanctity. The Most Holy Place was where God's presence dwelt above the mercy seat, a place of ultimate reverence and awe.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. The Tabernacle
A portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites, consisting of the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place.

3. The Veil
A curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, symbolizing the separation between God and humanity due to sin.

4. The Ark of the Testimony
Also known as the Ark of the Covenant, it was placed in the Most Holy Place and represented God's presence and covenant with Israel.

5. The Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies)
The innermost and most sacred area of the Tabernacle, where God's presence dwelt and only the high priest could enter once a year.

Teaching Points

The Significance of Separation
The veil represented the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity. Reflect on the seriousness of sin and the holiness of God.

Christ as the Fulfillment
Jesus' death tore the veil, granting believers direct access to God. Embrace the privilege of approaching God with confidence through Christ.

The Presence of God
The Most Holy Place housed the Ark, symbolizing God's presence. Cultivate an awareness of God's presence in your daily life.

The Role of the High Priest
Only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place, pointing to Jesus as our ultimate High Priest who intercedes for us.

The Covenant Relationship
The Ark of the Testimony signified God's covenant. Reflect on the faithfulness of God to His promises and our response to His covenant love.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of the veil in the Tabernacle help us understand the nature of sin and separation from God?

2. In what ways does the tearing of the temple veil at Jesus' death impact our relationship with God today?

3. How can we practically live out the reality of having direct access to God through Christ in our daily lives?

4. What does the role of the high priest in the Old Testament teach us about Jesus' role as our High Priest?

5. How can we remain faithful to God's covenant in our personal walk with Him, and what scriptures can guide us in this commitment?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 9
Discusses the significance of the Tabernacle and the veil, explaining how Christ's sacrifice opened the way into the Most Holy Place for all believers.

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

Leviticus 16
Details the Day of Atonement, when the high priest would enter the Most Holy Place, foreshadowing Christ's ultimate atonement for sin.