God’s Image • Torn Curtain Study
Our previous post examined the difference between what was presented and what was recognized. We now return to a passage where a covering is removed—and where Paul connects that removal with the heart.
When Moses Went Before Jehovah
After speaking with Jehovah, Moses descended from Sinai with his face shining. Aaron and the Israelites were afraid to approach him. Moses called them near and delivered the commands he had received. After speaking, he covered his face.
Notice when he removed that covering:
“But when Moses went in before Jehovah to speak with him, he took the veil off, until he came out”
— Exodus 34:34, ASV, excerpt
Moses received instruction, delivered it, and covered his face again. The account preserves the relationship between YHWH (יהוה), the one receiving His instruction, and the people hearing it.
The covering did not make Moses the source of what he spoke. Removing it did not change that distinction.
Paul Returns to This Account
Paul describes a veil remaining over the heart when Moses is read. He then writes:
“but WHENEVER a person TURNS TO THE LORD, THE VEIL IS TAKEN AWAY.”
— 2 Corinthians 3:16, LSB
The capitalized wording points back to Exodus 34:34, where Moses goes before Jehovah. Keeping that source visible prevents the title Lord from becoming detached from the passage Paul is drawing upon.
Paul also places Christ and the Spirit within his explanation: the veil is brought to an end in Christ; the Spirit gives life; and unveiled faces are associated with transformation into the same image. Read 2 Corinthians 3:3–6, 14–18.
Turning and Removal
In verse 16, ἐπιστρέψῃ — epistrepsē, from ἐπιστρέφω — epistrephō (G1994), expresses turning. περιαιρεῖται — periaireitai, from περιαιρέω — periaireō (G4014), describes the covering being taken away.
The wording connects turning to the Lord with removal of the veil. It does not describe merely possessing a text or hearing it read. Read 2 Corinthians 3:16.
This gives us a question worth carrying into our own examination: Can I be familiar with the words while remaining unwilling to turn when they challenge what I believe?
Tearing and Unveiling
Matthew describes the temple curtain being torn. Exodus describes Moses removing a covering from his face. Paul uses that account to speak about a veil over the heart.
These connections deserve examination, with each action kept visible. A curtain being torn and a heart being unveiled are not automatically interchangeable statements. Paul continues to describe a veil remaining even after the events at Jesus’ death. Read 2 Corinthians 3:13–16.
Our question therefore reaches beyond what happened to a physical covering: What remains concealed from our understanding—and how do we respond when it is revealed?
Questions to Consider
Am I allowing Scripture to correct an understanding I received from others?
Does familiarity with a teaching make me assume I already understand it?
When a mistaken claim becomes clear, am I willing to release it?
Threads to Follow
Believing without seeing: Examine John 20:24–29 alongside recognition and faith.
Drawing near: Follow the blood, the curtain, the flesh, and the heart in Hebrews 10:19–22.
Claiming and receiving: Carry our examination of correction and relinquishment back into Commandment 10.
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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