Meaning of Exodus 26:31

This verse describes the construction of the inner curtain, also known as the veil, that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place within the Tabernacle. This curtain was not merely a decorative fabric but a profoundly symbolic barrier, visually representing the separation between God's perfect holiness and the sinfulness of humanity. The specific materials – blue, purple, and scarlet yarn – each carried significant symbolic weight. Blue often represented heavenly authority or divine presence, purple signified royalty and wealth (and thus the divine king), and scarlet, a deep red, could allude to sacrifice or the blood that atones for sin. The finely twisted linen spoke of purity and righteousness, reflecting God's own perfect nature. The inclusion of cherubim woven into it by a skilled worker is particularly striking, as cherubim are divine beings associated with guarding sacred spaces and God's throne, underscoring the sacredness and holiness of the realm beyond the veil.

Context and Background

The construction of the Tabernacle, as detailed in Exodus 25-31, was a divine mandate given to Moses on Mount Sinai. This portable sanctuary was to be the dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their wilderness journey. Exodus 26 specifically outlines the construction of the Tabernacle's various components, including the curtains, frames, and pillars. The inner curtain, described in verse 31, was the final and most sacred partition within the Tabernacle, serving as the entrance to the Most Holy Place, the very presence of God.

Key Themes and Messages

• Separation and Holiness: The primary message is the absolute separation between God and man due to sin. The veil physically demarcated God's holy presence from the rest of the sanctuary.
• Divine Presence: Despite the separation, the veil also signified that God was present, albeit in a veiled and restricted manner, accessible only to the High Priest on one specific day of the year.
• Skilled Craftsmanship: The emphasis on "skilled worker" highlights that this was not amateur work but a divinely guided and expertly executed creation, reflecting the perfection of God's design.
• Symbolism of Materials: The colors and materials were not arbitrary but rich with theological meaning, pointing to divine attributes and covenantal realities.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, the veil represents the barrier that sin creates between humanity and God. The elaborate and costly construction underscores the seriousness of this separation and the holiness of God. The fact that only the High Priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and only once a year with specific sacrifices, illustrates the inadequacy of human effort to bridge the gap. This highlights humanity's need for divine intervention and atonement.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This veil is a crucial precursor to the New Testament. Jesus Christ, in his atoning sacrifice, is presented as the one who ultimately tears down this veil. The New Testament understanding is that through Christ's death, the barrier between God and humanity is removed, granting all believers direct access to God's presence.

Analogies

One analogy for the veil is a locked door that only a king possesses the unique key to open. Another is the strict protocol required to approach a sovereign ruler, where only designated individuals can pass certain boundaries. In a more modern context, it could be likened to the secure vault of a central bank, where access is highly restricted and controlled.

Relation to Other Verses

• Exodus 28:15-30: This passage details the High Priest's garments, which were also intricately made and symbolically rich, preparing him for his sacred duties, including passing through the veil.
• Leviticus 16:2, 11-16: This chapter describes the Day of Atonement, the only day the High Priest could enter the Most Holy Place, highlighting the veil's role in restricting access and the need for sacrifice.
• Hebrews 9:3-10: This New Testament passage explicitly interprets the Tabernacle and its veil, explaining their symbolic meaning and how they pointed to Christ.
• Hebrews 10:19-22: This is a pivotal New Testament passage that directly contrasts the Old Testament veil with the new access to God through Jesus Christ: "Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body..."