Lesson Two
The Veil

Normally when we think of a veil, we envision a facial covering for a woman. However, “Merriam-Webster” lists curtain as a synonym for veil. Curtains normally cover a window for privacy. Most people do not like to feel as if they are living in a fishbowl.

In 2020, Hadley Keller wrote an interesting article titled, “11 Smart Ways Designers Use Curtains *Not* on Windows.” The list is creative.

1. Which of these ways have you tried? What other ways have you used or seen curtains hooked?

The Bible speaks of a very important curtain (veil). It separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place or the Holy of Holies. The Holy of Holies was the sanctuary where the Ark of the Covenant was kept and where only the high priest could enter only once a year on the Day of Atonement. No one else (not even another priest) could ever enter it. Pastor Jack Wellman adds, “Only the high priest could do this and then only once a year but they tied a rope around his waist in the event he did something wrong and if he died as a result, they could drag him out from behind the curtain since they couldn’t go in and get him and they too would perish.  The veil represents the separation of a Holy God from sinful mankind because our sins have separated us from God (Isaiah 59:2).”

2. What are some things you have heard of this veil?

This veil was commanded by God. It was first described to Moses for use in the Tabernacle. Exodus 26:31-33 records, “And you shall make a veil of blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen. It shall be made with cherubim skillfully worked into it. And you shall hang it on four pillars of acacia overlaid with gold, with hooks of gold, on four bases of silver. And you shall hang the veil from the clasps, and bring the ark of the testimony in there within the veil. And the veil shall separate for you the Holy Place from the Most Holy.” In 2 Chronicles 3:14, Solomon continues the command when building the Temple, “And he made the veil of blue and purple and crimson fabrics and fine linen, and he worked cherubim on it.” This veil or curtain was still being used in the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry.

This veil was quite substantial. Wybren H. Oord (“The Veil of the Tabernacle”) writes, “According to the Talmud, the veils were sixty feet long, thirty feet tall and four inches thick. Jewish tradition claims that the veils were so heavy it took three hundred priests to hang them.” In an article from Liberty Gospel Tracts, the author agrees that the veil was “a handbreadth thick” (which is four inches) and added that “two horses could not have pulled it in two.”

3. What are some benefits of this veil being so intense?

The veil was also a piece of art. “The HarperCollins Bible Dictionary” documents some observations from the writings of Josephus (first-century Jewish historian). He said the veil was in fact a tapestry woven in Babylon, on which was displayed a portrait of the heavens. Sweeney and Powell think this was probably the starry sky at night. Therefore, worshipers would associate God’s presence in the Holy of Holies (which was hidden by the veil) with God’s presence in the heavens (hidden by the firmament of the sky).

4. How have you pictured the veil?

With this backdrop, we continue our study of the miracles at the cross of Jesus Christ. Matthew 27:51 says, “And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split.” The veil (curtain) being torn in two would have been devastating. No one was allowed to enter this holiest of places.

5. In what direction did the tear move? What could this emphasize?

Louis A. Barbieri Jr. (“The Bible Knowledge Commentary”) notes, “This curtain separated the holy place from the holy of holies in the temple (Hebrews 9:2-3). The fact that this occurred from top to bottom signified that God is the One who ripped the thick curtain. It was not torn from the bottom by men ripping it. God was showing that the way of access into His presence was now available for everyone, not simply the Old Testament high priest.”

A.T. Robertson (“Word Pictures in the New Testament”) adds, “This veil was a most elaborately woven fabric of seventy-two twisted plaits of twenty-four threads each and the veil was sixty feet long and thirty wide. The rending of the veil signified the removal of the separation between God and the people.” Through Jesus’ death, we have access to God!

Warren W. Wiersbe (“The Bible Exposition Commentary”) says it very succinctly, “The rending of the veil symbolized the wonderful truth that the way was now open to God (Hebrews 10:14-26). There was no more need of temples, priests, altars, or sacrifices. Jesus had finished the work of salvation on the cross.”

Jesus’ death tore down any barrier to coming to God. We no longer have to go through a priest or any other person.

Douglas Sean O’Donnell (“Preaching the Word”) points out two truths that come from the veil being torn in the Temple. First, it showed judgment by symbolically saying, “It is all over.” The moment after Jesus breathes his last breath, the temple in Jerusalem becomes a desolate house. Jesus’ death brings final judgment to the temple. Second, it conveyed salvation by saying, “It is all open.” While closing one door, Jesus’ death opens another. Now, through Jesus and Him alone, the whole world is invited into the presence of God.

6. How did people go to God before the death of Jesus?

7. Since the death of Jesus, how can people meet with God?

I like to imagine what the priests did once the veil was torn. Did they cover their eyes? Did they run for safety? Once they realized they were still alive, did they look inside? Did they go inside? Did they reevaluate who Jesus was?

Hebrews 4:16 describes how we are to view meeting with God today, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

8. What does the word “confidence” imply to you?

Instead of the word “confidence,” the New Living Translation and King James Version tell us to “come boldly” to the throne of God.

9. Does this create another dimension in your mind?

10. How should this affect our prayer life?

Finally, Hebrews 10:19-22 brings it all together, “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” This “confidence” is again translated as coming “boldly” (NLT) and with “boldness” (KJV). Jesus opened the curtain so we can “draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.”

11. As we approach God, what should be the condition of our hearts? How do we do that?

“His final piercing cry received an echoing response from the temple.” Chad Ashby