The Veil of the Sanctuary, also known as the "veil of the temple," holds significant theological and symbolic importance within the biblical narrative. It served as a physical and spiritual barrier within the Tabernacle and later the Temple, separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, or the Holy of Holies, where the presence of God was believed to dwell.

Biblical Description and Construction

The instructions for the construction of the veil are detailed in the Book of Exodus. According to Exodus 26:31-33 , "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, 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 was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, woven with rich colors and adorned with cherubim, symbolizing the heavenly realm and the divine presence. Its purpose was to shield the sacred space of the Holy of Holies, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept, and where only the high priest could enter once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) to offer sacrifices for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:2, 29-34).

Theological Significance

Theologically, the veil represented the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity. It underscored the idea that direct access to God was restricted due to human sinfulness. The high priest's annual entry into the Holy of Holies symbolized the mediation required to approach God, highlighting the need for atonement and purification.

The Veil in the New Testament

The New Testament provides a profound reinterpretation of the veil's significance through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of Matthew, at the moment of Jesus' death, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51). This event is rich with symbolic meaning, indicating the removal of the barrier between God and humanity. The tearing of the veil signifies that through Christ's sacrificial death, believers now have direct access to God, as articulated 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."

Historical Context and Later Developments

Historically, the veil continued to be a part of the Second Temple until its destruction in 70 A.D. by the Romans. The tearing of the veil at the time of Jesus' crucifixion is not only a theological statement but also a historical marker of the transition from the Old Covenant, centered on the Temple and its rituals, to the New Covenant, centered on Christ and the Church.

In Christian theology, the veil's tearing is often seen as a pivotal moment that underscores the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets in Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate High Priest and mediator between God and humanity (Hebrews 4:14-16). The event marks the inauguration of a new era in which believers are invited to approach God with confidence and assurance of faith.