Pattern

God had given Moses the pattern, the colors, and the materials to be used for the curtain that would divide the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. The curtain was used in the tabernacle in the wilderness and later in the temple in Jerusalem.

(NASB) Exodus 26:31, 33b “You shall make a veil of blue and purple and scarlet material and fine twisted linen; it shall be made with cherubim, the work of a skillful workman.

33 “and the veil shall serve for you as a partition between the holy place and the holy of holies.”

Purpose

What was the purpose of the curtain in the tabernacle and temple?

(NASB) Hebrews 9:1-5 “NOW EVEN the first covenant had regulations of divine worship and the earthly sanctuary.

2 For there was a tabernacle prepared, the outer one, in which were the lampstand and the table and the sacred bread; this is called the holy place.

3 Behind the second veil there was a tabernacle which is called the Holy of Holies,

4 having a golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden jar holding the manna, and Aaron”™s rod which budded, and the tables of the covenant;

5 and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat;”¦”

The high priest would enter behind the curtain or veil, once a year. He would take a sacrificial blood offering for the forgiveness of sins committed in ignorance for himself and the sins of the nation of Israel. (See Hebrews 9:7)

God”™s holiness was never treated lightly, just as His name is to be said with reverence and worship. How do you use, or think of, the name of God?

The curtain”™s significance cannot be overstated. In the next few days this devotional will see how and why the curtain was torn in two at the death of Jesus.