Book of Exodus - Chapter 26 - Verse 33
Meaning
The verse describes the instructions given to the Israelites regarding the construction of the tabernacle, a mobile place of worship. The veil mentioned in the verse served as a divider between the holy place and the most holy place, also known as the Holy of Holies. The most holy place was considered the dwelling place of God, where the ark of the testimony, containing the Ten Commandments given to Moses, was kept. The veil symbolized the separation between God and man, emphasizing the holiness and majesty of God. Only the high priest was allowed to enter the most holy place, and that too only once a year, on the Day of Atonement. The veil signified the barrier that existed between sinful humanity and a holy God, highlighting the need for atonement and reconciliation. Through Jesus Christ, the ultimate high priest who offered Himself as a sacrifice for sin once and for all, believers now have direct access to God, symbolized by the tearing of the veil in the temple at the moment of Jesus' death on the cross.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the hanging of the veil in the tabernacle is discussed. Throughout the Bible, the veil is used as a symbol of separation and division between God and humanity. The veil in the tabernacle represents the separation between the holy place, where the priests could enter, and the most holy place, where only the high priest could go once a year on the Day of Atonement to make atonement for the sins of the people. The veil served as a reminder of the holiness and perfection of God, as well as the sinfulness and imperfection of humanity. This separation was a physical representation of the spiritual divide between God and His people, showing that access to God was limited and mediated by the priests. However, with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the veil was torn in two, symbolizing the removal of the barrier between God and His people. Through Christ, believers now have direct access to God and can approach Him with confidence and boldness.