God’s Image • Torn Curtain Study
During our examination of Commandment 10, questions about clothing, identity, and rightful claims brought us to another covering: the sanctuary curtain.
Before continuing that commandment, we will examine this subject separately, beginning in Matthew.
What happened when the curtain tore—and what does Scripture actually say about its meaning?
Begin with the Sequence
Matthew describes darkness over the land from the sixth hour until the ninth. Jesus cries out, and later, after crying out again, yields up his spirit.
Then Matthew records:
“the veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom”
— Matthew 27:51, LSB, excerpt
The earth shakes, rocks split, and tombs open. Matthew also describes holy ones being raised, specifying that their emergence from the tombs and appearance in the holy city occur after Jesus’ resurrection. Read Matthew 27:45–54.
The details matter. Darkness begins before Jesus dies. The later appearances should not be compressed into the moment the curtain tears.
An Event and Its Explanation
Matthew records the tearing without stating that it grants everyone unrestricted entrance into God’s presence.
That distinction gives us a starting question: Have we remembered the event together with an explanation we were taught, without examining whether the passage supplies that explanation?
We will compare other Scriptures carefully, preserving what each contributes.
Tearing and Mourning
When Jacob believes Joseph has died, he tears his clothes and mourns. David and his men also tear their garments when they hear of Saul and Jonathan’s deaths. Read Genesis 37:31–35 and 2 Samuel 1:11–12.
Amos brings darkness and mourning together. YHWH (יהוה) speaks of darkness at noon, feasts becoming mourning, and grief like mourning for an only son. Read Amos 8:9–10, ASV.
These passages provide the basis for examining the torn curtain alongside grief and rupture. Matthew does not explicitly call the curtain a mourning garment; the comparison must be shown through the details.
A Garment That Remains Whole
John records a contrasting action at Jesus’ crucifixion. The soldiers divide his garments, but his tunic is seamless, woven in one piece. They decide against tearing it and cast lots for it instead. Read John 19:23–24.
The sanctuary curtain is torn. Jesus’ tunic is not torn.
Before assigning meaning, we must preserve that difference. What is divided, what remains whole, and who acts are all details to examine.
Entrance Must Also Be Examined
Hebrews 10:19–22 explicitly discusses entrance through Jesus’ blood and the curtain identified with his flesh. We will examine that passage in its own context, including whom it addresses and how they are instructed to approach. Read Hebrews 10:19–22.
Tearing, removing a veil, and receiving entrance must each be examined before treating them as interchangeable.
Threads to Follow
The appointed covering: Begin with the curtain’s function in Exodus 26:31–33.
Grief and darkness: Compare Genesis 37, 2 Samuel 1, and Amos 8.
Torn and intact: Keep Matthew 27:51 beside John 19:23–24.
Related study: Revisit the Bridegroom and Bride Study as we continue examining coverings and relationships.
The books were opened…
🌿Studies by Maria Emilia ~ 🗺️Continue exploring: Visit Bible Books to find studies organized by book of the Bible, along with related studies and links.
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