The "Curtain for the Entrance" refers to the specific curtain that was used to cover the entrance of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. This curtain played a significant role in the religious and ceremonial life of the Israelites, as it was part of the sacred structure where God’s presence dwelt among His people.

Biblical Description and Construction

The instructions for the construction of the curtain are detailed in the Book of Exodus. According to Exodus 26:36-37 , "For the entrance to the tent, you are to make a curtain of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, the work of an embroiderer. Make five posts of acacia wood for the curtain, overlay them with gold hooks, and cast five bronze bases for them."

The curtain was crafted from high-quality materials, including blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen. These colors and materials were significant, symbolizing royalty, divinity, and purity. The use of an embroiderer indicates that the curtain was not only functional but also a work of art, reflecting the beauty and holiness of the Tabernacle.

Symbolism and Function

The curtain served as a barrier between the outer court of the Tabernacle and the Holy Place, where the priests performed their duties. It symbolized the separation between the holy and the common, the divine and the human. Only the priests were permitted to pass through this curtain to perform their sacred duties, emphasizing the holiness required to approach God.

Theologically, the curtain for the entrance can be seen as a precursor to the veil in the Temple in Jerusalem, which separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. This veil was torn in two at the moment of Christ’s death, as recorded in Matthew 27:51 : "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 event symbolized the removal of the barrier between God and humanity, granting believers direct access to God through Jesus Christ.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, curtains and veils were common in temples and palaces, serving both practical and symbolic purposes. They provided privacy and protection, while also signifying the sanctity of the space they enclosed. The Israelites, following God’s specific instructions, incorporated these cultural elements into their worship practices, setting apart the Tabernacle as a unique place of divine encounter.

Theological Implications

The curtain for the entrance of the Tabernacle underscores the holiness of God and the need for purity and reverence in approaching Him. It serves as a reminder of the separation caused by sin and the necessity of mediation, which in the Old Testament was provided by the priesthood. In the New Testament, this mediation is fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, who is described as the "great high priest" in Hebrews 4:14 : "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess."

The curtain, therefore, is not merely a physical object but a profound symbol of the relationship between God and His people, pointing forward to the ultimate reconciliation achieved through Christ.