Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terminology, "vails" refers to veils or coverings, often used in the context of clothing or ceremonial attire. The concept of vails is significant in both the Old and New Testaments, symbolizing modesty, separation, and divine mystery.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, vails are frequently mentioned in relation to the tabernacle and the temple. The veil of the tabernacle, described in Exodus, served as a physical barrier separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. This veil symbolized the separation between God and humanity due to sin. Exodus 26:33 states, "Hang the veil under the clasps, and bring the ark of the Testimony there behind the veil. The veil will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place." The use of vails also extended to personal attire. Women in ancient Israel often wore veils as a sign of modesty and propriety. Rebekah, for instance, covered herself with a veil when she first met Isaac (Genesis 24:65). This act demonstrated respect and humility, aligning with cultural norms of the time. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the veil takes on a profound theological significance. The Gospels recount the moment of Jesus' crucifixion when the temple veil was torn in two from top to bottom (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 the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul further elaborates on the spiritual symbolism of the veil in his letters. In 2 Corinthians 3:14-16 , Paul discusses the metaphorical veil that lies over the hearts of those who do not accept Christ, stating, "But their minds were closed. For to this day the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant. It has not been lifted, because only in Christ can it be removed. And even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away." Cultural and Theological Implications The use of vails in Scripture reflects broader cultural and theological themes. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, veils were often associated with social status and identity. In a theological context, the veil represents both the mystery of God's holiness and the accessibility of His presence through Christ. The discussion of vails in 1 Corinthians 11:4-7 addresses the practice of head coverings in worship, emphasizing the importance of honoring established traditions and divine order: "Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is just as if her head were shaved. If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off. And if it is shameful for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved, she should cover her head. A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man." In summary, vails in the Bible serve as powerful symbols of separation, modesty, and the transformative work of Christ in bridging the gap between God and humanity. Library Job 26:6, to the End Revelation. * * * * * The Complaint: Or, Night Thoughts. Napoleon Bonaparte. The Life and Death of Mr. Badman, Thesaurus Vails (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Vails (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 3:23 The glasses, and the fine linen, and the hoods, and the vails. (KJV WBS YLT). ... /v/vails.htm - 6k Vailed (1 Occurrence) Glasses (1 Occurrence) Hoods (1 Occurrence) Vain (141 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Vails (1 Occurrence)Isaiah 3:23 Subtopics Related Terms |
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