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 hang the veil from the clasps
The veil was a significant part of the Tabernacle, serving as a physical and symbolic barrier. The use of clasps indicates the precision and care in the construction of the Tabernacle, reflecting God's instructions to Moses on Mount Sinai. The veil was made of fine linen and blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, with cherubim skillfully woven into it, symbolizing the heavenly realm and the holiness of God. The hanging of the veil from clasps suggests a sense of permanence and separation, emphasizing the sacredness of what lay beyond.

and place the ark of the Testimony behind the veil
The Ark of the Testimony, also known as the Ark of the Covenant, was the most sacred object in the Tabernacle, containing the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments. Placing it behind the veil signified its supreme holiness and the presence of God dwelling among His people. The Ark was a type of Christ, representing God's covenant with Israel and His throne on earth. The positioning of the Ark behind the veil underscores the separation between God and humanity due to sin, a theme that runs throughout the Old Testament.

So the veil will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place
The veil served as a divider between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies), where only the high priest could enter once a year on the Day of Atonement. This separation highlighted the holiness of God and the need for atonement and mediation. The Most Holy Place was where God's presence dwelt, and the veil symbolized the barrier sin created between God and man. In the New Testament, the tearing of the veil at Christ's crucifixion (Matthew 27:51) signifies the removal of this barrier, granting believers direct access to God through Jesus, our High Priest.

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.