“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.
The veil taught Israel that God's majesty demands reverence and that the full revelation had not yet come; the spiritual worship was still hidden under shadow until Christ. When He rose, the veil was torn and the mystery laid bare, now we behold face to face what the ancients saw only from afar, yet the incarnation itself remains an incomprehensible mystery.
AI summary
Two veils here, not one: the inner veil hid the holiest place entirely from sight, signifying that divine grace was veiled under law; but Christ rent it, and now we approach the throne with boldness through His blood. The outer veil guarded the tabernacle like a curtain with no lock or bar, yet God's care of His weak church proved stronger than gates of brass.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 26:31-37
The veil hung under the clasps that joined the two sets of curtains, marking the exact division between holy and most holy place. It was impenetrably thick, and nothing could be seen through it; by it alone the ark of testimony was hidden from common sight, separated by a barrier that none but the high priest could pass.
AI summary