Bible Commentaries

Continuing the outward movement of description from the Ark as center, we have instructions concerning the curtains and coverings which were to constitute the Tabernacle and Tent. There was unquestionably symbolic suggestiveness in everything. Fine twined linen was the symbol of purity, the blue of heavenly glory, the purple of kingly majesty, the scarlet of the richness of created life, while the inwrought cherubim symbolized the highest realization of life.

The boards and bars constituted the solid foundations on which the curtains and the coverings were to rest. These boards were set in sockets of silver made out of the ransom money which the people had brought. Because of its extreme durability, the acacia wood was the symbol of continuity Standing these boards in the sockets of silver symbolized the fact that continuous life is founded in redemption.

In the veil hanging between the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies and in the screen hanging between the court and the Holy Place we have symbols of exclusion. The material and colors of the inner veil spoke of absolute perfection. This veil symbolized that man can draw near to God only by the way of perfection. No man was ever found who could pass that veil in his own right until in fulfillment of the symbolism one Man did go beyond it. When presently the high priest passed behind the veil, he carried with him the blood of propitiation, not merely for the people he represented, but first for himself.