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Begin wherever your curiosity leads. The studies will be here when you’re ready. When I shared my first Matthew study on Facebook today, I mentioned that I planned to post daily, though I might not share every post on Facebook. As I continue setting up this blog, I’ve realized that what matters most to me is making my past studies available for anyone who wants to explore them. For now, I’ll be adding posts to my heart’s content as I work through those studies. Some days that may mean one post; other days it may mean several. I’ll continue reading through and preparing each one before sharing it. There is no need to keep up with everything as it appears. This blog is becoming a place you can browse at your own pace—begin with a book, a question, or a study that interests you, and follow from there. The Bible Books page gathers studies by book, while Study Threads helps connect topics that travel through more than one book. The labels on individual posts also bring related material to...
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2. Torn Curtain: A Covering with an Appointed Purpose

God’s Image • Torn Curtain Study

Before examining the curtain’s tearing, we must consider what Scripture says about its purpose.

Exodus describes the tabernacle’s coverings and furnishings in detail. Within those instructions, a particular veil separates the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.

What Was Woven into the Veil?

Exodus 26:31 names blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cherubim worked into the veil. Its placement is also specified: the ark of the testimony is brought within it, and the mercy seat is placed upon the ark. The table and lampstand remain outside this veil. Read Exodus 26:31–35.

These details belong together: material, imagery, placement, and function.

The colors and linen give us connections to examine alongside garments elsewhere in Scripture. The cherubim must also remain in view. Hebrews later includes the cherubim of Glory in its description of the sanctuary. Read Hebrews 9:1–5.

We should preserve each detail before deciding what the covering represents.

Who Could Enter—and How?

Leviticus 16 begins after the deaths of Aaron’s two sons. YHWH (יהוה) instructs Moses concerning Aaron:

“that he come not at all times into the holy place within the veil”

— Leviticus 16:2, ASV, excerpt

The passage connects this restriction with God’s appearance in the cloud over the mercy seat.

Aaron receives instructions concerning offerings, washing, and holy linen garments. Later verses describe incense and blood brought within the veil. Entrance is governed by instruction; it is not established merely by standing near the covering or possessing priestly clothing. Read Leviticus 16:1–15.

The People and Their Representative

Verse 17 distinguishes Aaron’s work from the presence of the wider assembly. No other person is to be in the tent of meeting while he enters to make atonement, until he comes out.

The passage names himself, his household, and the assembly as those for whom atonement is made. Their inclusion in that provision does not mean they all perform the same action or occupy the same place. Read Leviticus 16:17.

This returns us to a distinction examined in the Bridegroom and Bride Study: a shared relationship does not automatically make every role interchangeable.

Carry the Distinctions Forward

When we return to Matthew’s torn curtain, these earlier instructions give us questions to carry forward:

  • What was the covering appointed to separate?

  • Who approached, and under whose instruction?

  • What preparation accompanied entrance?

  • Have we assumed that a change to the covering answers every question about the people beyond it?

Our examination will follow both the physical details and the comparisons Scripture develops from them.

Threads to Follow

  • Tearing and mourning: Examine the torn garments in Genesis 37 and 2 Samuel 1.

  • Darkness and distinction: Keep Exodus 10:21–23 beside Matthew 27:45.

  • Garments and recognition: Preserve the difference between possessing a covering and establishing the wearer’s identity.

  • The sanctuary in Hebrews: Continue through Hebrews 9:6–14 before examining Hebrews 10:19–22.

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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