Hebrews 9:3
And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;
Hebrews 9:3 (KJV)
Context
The book of Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians facing persecution and tempted to return to their former religious practices. The author demonstrates the superiority of Jesus Christ and the new covenant over the old covenant and its rituals. In Hebrews 9, the earthly tabernacle and the ministry of priests under the old covenant are discussed. The tabernacle was a portable sanctuary from Israel’s wilderness journey, serving as a place of worship and sacrifice before the temple was built in Jerusalem.
The tabernacle had two veils. The first was the hanging for the door of the tent, described in Exodus 26:36-37, made of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine-twined linen, suspended on five pillars of acacia wood overlaid with gold. The second veil, mentioned in Hebrews 9:3, separated the Holy Place from the Holiest of all. In the second temple, under which the apostle lived, there were two veils dividing the holy place from the holy of holies, and the innermost of these is meant here.
Meaning
The “second veil” refers to the curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Holiest of all. 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 Holiest of all, beyond the second veil, was the innermost and 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. No man might enter there on pain of death except the high priest, and he only once a year, not without blood. This inner sanctuary was typical of Christ, who is called the most Holy, being holy in both divine and human natures. It was also a figure of heaven, for the holy places made with hands were figures of heaven, being the habitation of the holy God, holy angels, and spirits of just men made perfect.
The veil itself could signify the ceremonial law, which separated between Jew and Gentile and was abolished by the death of Christ. More specifically, it was typical of the flesh, or human nature of Christ, called the veil of his flesh (Hebrews 10:20).
Biblical connections
Separation and Access: The veil separating the Holy Place from the Holiest of all 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 Holiest of all, 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).
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 Holiest of all 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.
Reflection
The second veil and the Holiest of all point us to the profound truth that through Christ, the way into God’s presence is open. The old order, with its barriers and repeated sacrifices, has given way to a new and living way. As we consider the holiness of God and the cost of our access, we are drawn to worship and to live in grateful response to His grace.
