Hebrews 9:3

“And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all.”

Context and Background:The book of Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and were tempted to return to their old religious practices. The author of Hebrews seeks to demonstrate the superiority of Jesus Christ and the new covenant over the old covenant and its rituals.

In Hebrews 9, the author discusses the earthly tabernacle and the ministry of priests under the old covenant. The tabernacle was a portable sanctuary constructed during the Israelites’ wilderness journey and served as a place of worship and sacrifice before the construction of the temple in Jerusalem.

Meaning and Interpretation:Hebrews 9:3 mentions the “second veil” and the tabernacle called the “Holiest of all.” To understand this verse, we need to consider the structure and significance of the tabernacle.

The tabernacle had two main sections separated by a veil or curtain. The first section, known as the Holy Place, contained the lampstand, the table of showbread, and the altar of incense. The second section, known as the Holy of Holies or the Most Holy Place, was separated by a veil and housed the Ark of the Covenant.

The “second veil” mentioned in Hebrews 9:3 refers to the curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. This veil was a significant feature of the tabernacle and later the temple in Jerusalem. It served as a symbolic barrier between God’s presence and the people, signifying the separation between God and humanity due to sin.

The tabernacle’s Holy of Holies, beyond the second veil, was the most sacred part of the sanctuary. It was the place where God’s presence dwelled and where the high priest entered once a year on the Day of Atonement to make atonement for the sins of the people.

Spiritual Significance:The “second veil” and the tabernacle’s Holiest of all carry symbolic and spiritual significance:

• Separation and Access:The veil separating the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies symbolizes the separation between God and humanity because of sin. It represents the barrier that prevented direct access to God’s presence. The fact that it was torn in two when Jesus died on the cross (Matthew 27:51) signifies the removal of this barrier and the opportunity for all believers to have direct access to God through faith in Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:19-22).
• The Holiest of All:The Holy of Holies, which was accessible only to the high priest once a year, represents the very presence of God. It symbolizes the heavenly realm and the dwelling place of God. Through Jesus Christ, believers have access to the true heavenly sanctuary, the presence of God, and the benefits of the new covenant (Hebrews 9:11-12, 24).
• Fulfillment in Christ:The tabernacle and its rituals were a shadow or type pointing to the perfect fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the ultimate High Priest who entered the true Holy of Holies in heaven, offering Himself as the once-and-for-all sacrifice for sin. The earthly tabernacle served as a temporary foreshadowing of the heavenly reality fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Hebrews 9:11-14).

Application:

Hebrews 9:3 reminds us of the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice and the access we now have to God through Him. As believers, we can approach God boldly, not based on our own merits or efforts, but through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4:14-16).

The tearing of the veil at Jesus’ death demonstrates that we have direct access to God’s presence. We can commune with Him, receive His grace, and experience His transforming power in our lives. We no longer need an earthly high priest or an earthly tabernacle because Jesus has become our eternal High Priest and the true sanctuary (Hebrews 7:23-28).

Therefore, Hebrews 9:3 encourages us to embrace the new covenant established by Jesus, recognizing the superior and permanent access we have to God’s presence through Him. It calls us to live in the fullness of this reality and to draw near to God with sincere hearts, assured of His faithfulness and grace.