The Veil of the Curtain, often referred to simply as "the veil," holds significant theological and symbolic importance within the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the Tabernacle and the Temple. It served as a physical and spiritual barrier, delineating the sacred space of the Holy of Holies from the rest of the sanctuary.

Biblical Description and Function

The veil is first described in the construction of the Tabernacle during the Israelites' wilderness journey. In Exodus 26:31-33 , God commands Moses: "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 and 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's primary function was to separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. This separation underscored the holiness of God and the need for a mediator between God and humanity. 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 may not come whenever he chooses into the Most Holy Place behind the veil, in front of the mercy seat on the ark, or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud above the mercy seat.'"

Symbolism and Theological Significance

The veil symbolized the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity. It was a constant reminder of the barrier that sin creates between God and man. The intricate design, with cherubim woven into it, echoed the imagery of the cherubim guarding the way to the Tree of Life in Genesis 3:24, further emphasizing the theme of separation due to sin.

The Veil in the Temple

The veil continued to play a crucial role in the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. In Solomon's Temple, the veil was similarly used to separate the Holy of Holies, as noted in 2 Chronicles 3:14 : "He made the veil of blue, purple, and crimson yarn and fine linen, with cherubim worked into it."

The Veil Torn at Christ's Crucifixion

The most profound moment involving the veil occurs at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In Matthew 27:50-51 , it is recorded: "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 event holds deep theological significance, symbolizing the removal of the barrier between God and humanity through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus. The tearing of the veil from top to bottom indicates divine intervention, signifying that access to God is now open to all who come through Christ, the ultimate High Priest. As the author of Hebrews explains in Hebrews 10:19-20 : "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 body."

Conclusion

The Veil of the Curtain serves as a powerful symbol throughout Scripture, representing both the separation caused by sin and the reconciliation made possible through Jesus Christ. Its presence in the Tabernacle and Temple, and its dramatic tearing at the crucifixion, underscore the central biblical themes of holiness, atonement, and redemption.