Overview
The veil (or curtain) was a crucial component of the tabernacle's design, hung between the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies where God's presence dwelt. Only the high priest could pass through this veil once yearly on the Day of Atonement. The veil also appears symbolically in Scripture as a covering worn by women and as a metaphor for spiritual blindness or separation from God.
Key Scriptures
"Then he brought the ark into the tabernacle and set up the veil of the screen, and screened off the ark of the testimony, as the Lord commanded Moses" (Exodus 40:21, ESV).
"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" (Hebrews 10:19-20, ESV).
"And Rebekah lifted her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she dismounted from the camel and said to the servant, 'Who is that man walking in the field toward us?' The servant said, 'It is my master.' So she took her veil and covered herself" (Genesis 24:64-65, ESV).
Application
Recognize that Christ's death tore the veil, granting all believers direct access to God's presence through faith.