Divine Intimacy Through the Veil of the Temple

Divine intimacy, in a biblical context, is often understood through the symbolism of the temple veil, which separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, where God's presence was uniquely manifested ^{[10, 12]}. This veil served as a physical barrier, signifying the limited access humanity had to God under the Old Covenant ^[13].

The tabernacle, and later the temple, was structured with various partitions. Moses divided the tabernacle's length into three sections, with four pillars marking the entrance to the innermost part ^[6]. The "second veil" specifically separated the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place ^{[7, 8]}. This inner veil was distinct from the "first veil," which was a hanging at the door of the tabernacle ^[8]. The materials and workmanship of these veils were consistent with the inner covering of the tabernacle ^[8]. Josephus describes a linen veil that could be drawn aside, especially on solemn days, to allow a view into the sanctuary ^[5].

The significance of the veil is primarily understood in relation to the atoning work of Jesus Christ. The Gospel of Mark records that "the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom" at the moment of Jesus' death ^[2]. This dramatic event is also noted in Matthew's account ^[10]. This tearing of the veil is interpreted as a symbolic act, signifying that the way to God's presence, previously restricted, was now opened through Christ's sacrifice ^{[10, 13]}. The "Holy Ghost" was understood to be signifying this new access ^[10].

Under the Old Covenant, the veil represented a "darkness and distance" in humanity's relationship with God ^[13]. Only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and only once a year, on the Day of Atonement ^[1]. The tearing of the veil thus marked a transition from a dispensation of limited access to one of direct access to God's glory ^[13]. This new access allows for a profound intimacy, where believers can "contemplate Your loving devotion" within God's spiritual temple ^[3].

The concept of divine intimacy is further elaborated in the New Testament. Jesus speaks of a profound intimacy shared between the Father and the Son, which He extends to His followers through the Holy Spirit ^[11]. This intimacy is fostered through God's Word and prayer ^[4].

The imagery of the veil also appears in discussions of spiritual understanding. The apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians, speaks of a "veil" lying upon the hearts of those who do not understand the Old Testament, preventing them from seeing its true meaning in Christ ^[9]. This spiritual veil is contrasted with the removal of the literal temple veil, suggesting that just as physical access to God was opened, so too is spiritual understanding made possible through Christ. The Tallith, a prayer shawl worn by Jewish worshippers, has been seen by some as an indirect allusion to this spiritual veil ^[9].

The tabernacle's innermost sanctuary, where the Ark of the Covenant was located, was considered God's "throne room" ^[12]. Unlike pagan sanctuaries that housed idols, the tabernacle contained only the Ark, representing God's covenant faithfulness and grace ^[12]. God met His people in this context, emphasizing a relationship based on covenant rather than idolatry ^[12]. The removal of the veil signifies the ultimate fulfillment of this covenant, allowing for unhindered communion with God.

Sources

Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Veil Of The Tabernacle And Temple — [[1261]Tabernacle; [1262]Temple]”
King James Version “[KJV] Mark 15:38 — And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.”
Psalms “Psalms 48:9 (BSB) — Within Your temple, O God, we contemplate Your loving devotion.”
I Timothy “I Timothy 4:5 (LITV) — for through God's Word and prayerful intercourse, it is sanctified.”
Project Gutenberg “Flavius Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, CHAPTER 6, section 5: priests, who crept under it. Over this there was a veil of linen, of the same largeness with the former: it was to be drawn this way or that way by cords, the rings of which, fixed to the texture of the veil, and to the cords also, were subservient to the drawing and undrawing of the veil, and to the fastening it at the corner, that then it might be no hinderance to the view of the sanctuary, especially on solemn days; but that on other days, and especially when the weather was inclined to snow, it might be expanded, and afford a”
Project Gutenberg “Flavius Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, CHAPTER 6, section 4: firmly together; and for this reason was all this joined so fast together, that the tabernacle might not be shaken, either by the winds, or by any other means, but that it might preserve itself quiet and immovable continually. 4. As for the inside, Moses parted its length into three partitions. At the distance of ten cubits from the most secret end, Moses placed four pillars, the workmanship of which was the very same with that of the rest; and they stood upon the like bases with them, each a small matter distant from his fellow.”
Hebrews “Hebrews 9:3 (NASB) — Behind the second veil there was a tabernacle which is called the Holy of Holies,”
Exodus (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Exodus 26:36: A hanging for the door of the tent - This may be called the first veil, as it occupied the door or entrance to the tabernacle; the veil that separated the holy place from the holy of holies is called the second veil, Heb 9:3. These two veils and the inner covering of the tabernacle were all of the same materials, and of the same workmanship. See Exo 27:16. 1. For the meaning and design of the tabernacle see Clarke's note on Exo 25:40 : and while the reader is struck with the curious and costly nature of this building, as described by Moses, let him consider how pur”
2 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Corinthians 3:15: the veil is--rather, "a veil lieth upon their heart" (their understanding, affected by the corrupt will, Joh 8:43; Co1 2:14). The Tallith was worn in the synagogue by every worshipper, and to this veil hanging over the breast there may be an indirect allusion here (see on Co1 11:4): the apostle making it symbolize the spiritual veil on their heart.”
Matthew (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Matthew 27:51: SIGNS AND CIRCUMSTANCES FOLLOWING THE DEATH OF THE LORD JESUS--HE IS TAKEN DOWN FROM THE CROSS, AND BURIED--THE SEPULCHRE IS GUARDED. ( = Mar 15:38-47; Luk 23:47-56; Joh 19:31-42). (Mat. 27:51-66) And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom--This was the thick and gorgeously wrought veil which was hung between the "holy place" and the "holiest of all," shutting out all access to the presence of God as manifested "from above the mercy seat and from between the cherubim"--"the Holy Ghost this signifying, that the w”
John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on John 10:15: 10:15 The Father and the Son share a profound intimacy, which Jesus shares with his sheep through the Holy Spirit (14:23-31; 15:1-11).”
Exodus (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Exodus 25:22: 25:22 I will meet with you there: The Ark was located in the innermost part of the sanctuary (26:33), which was in effect God’s throne room (see study note on Lev 16:2). In a comparable pagan sanctuary, one would find an idol in this location. The Tabernacle had no idol, only a box that physically represented the covenant faithfulness and grace of God. God meets his people in that context, not in the context of idolatry. An idol reflects the belief that a deity is continuous with the created order and that it can be manipulated with the right ritual. It assumes t”
Exodus (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Exodus 36:35: In the building of a house there is a great deal of work about the doors and partitions. In the tabernacle these were answerable to the rest of the fabric; there were curtains for doors, and veils for partitions. 1. There was a veil made for a partition between the holy place, and the most holy, Exo 36:35, Exo 36:36. This signified the darkness and distance of that dispensation, compared with the New Testament, which shows us the glory of God more clearly and invites us to draw near to it; and the darkness and distance of our present state, in comparison with hea”

Ask Your Own Question