Exodus 40:21 Meaning: Why the Veil? God's Presence Hidden and Revealed
He brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up the veil of the screen, and screened the ark of the covenant, as Yahweh commanded Moses.
And he brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up the vail of the covering, and covered the ark of the testimony; as the Lord commanded Moses.
and he brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up the veil of the screen, and screened the ark of the testimony; as Jehovah commanded Moses.
and bringeth in the ark unto the tabernacle, and placeth the vail of the covering, and covereth over the ark of the testimony, as Jehovah hath commanded Moses.
And he brought the ark into the tabernacle, and hung up the veil of separation, and covered the ark of the testimony; as Jehovah had commanded Moses.
Meaning in one sentence
Exodus 40:21 shows Moses placing the ark behind the veil.
Context
Exodus 40 records the culmination of months of work. On the first day of the second year after leaving Egypt, Moses began to raise the tabernacle exactly as God had commanded. Verse 21 describes one careful step among many: bringing the ark into the innermost room and hanging the veil to screen it from view. This was not a mere ceremonial detail. The ark contained the tablets of the law, the 'testimony' of God's covenant. The veil created a boundary between the holy place and the most holy place, where God promised to dwell. Everything had to be done according to the pattern shown to Moses on the mountain.
Key Words
Three Hebrew words carry the weight of this verse. The 'ark' (aron) was a sacred chest, the very throne of God on earth. The 'veil' (parokhet) was a curtain woven with cherubim, not a mere decoration but a divider between earth and heaven. And the verb 'screened' (yasekh) means to cover over, to shield from sight. Moses used this covering to hide the ark from every eye. The same root word appears when Noah covers the ark with pitch. These words together tell us something: God's holiness requires a boundary. We cannot rush in. He provides the covering that keeps us from being consumed and, in Christ, He tears that very covering open.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christian readers across the centuries have recognized something deeper in this veil. The Geneva Bible notes simply that Moses 'covered the Ark of the Testimony, as the Lord had commanded.' Matthew Henry emphasizes Moses' exact obedience. Gill points out that the veil kept the ark from being seen even by the priests. Keil and Delitzsch connect the 'testimony' to the Ten Commandments. Many see this separation as a picture of the chasm sin creates between us and God. The writer of Hebrews looks back at this veil and sees it as a symbol of Christ's flesh, the barrier that, when torn, opens the way to the holy presence. The veil both hides and reveals God's grace.
A common misunderstanding
Living This Out
The veil in Exodus 40 is a quiet object lesson for your week. It says that God's presence is not something you drift into. You do not approach Him the same way you approach anyone else. This week, before you pray, take a breath and remember the veil. Let it remind you that you are coming to the God who is holy, the One who provided a way for you to draw near. Thank Him for the barrier that once stood, and for the Son who tore it down. Let your prayer be marked by both confidence and awe.
Main takeaway: God's holy presence is veiled from sin, but He Himself opens the way through Christ.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
God told Moses to put a special curtain inside the tent where He would meet His people. That curtain showed that God is very holy and we cannot just walk in to see Him. It reminds us to be respectful when we talk to God.
For ages 9, 12
The veil in the tabernacle wasn't just a piece of cloth. It marked a boundary that only the high priest could cross, and only once a year with a sacrifice. God's holiness is like a fire, beautiful but dangerous if we come too close without the right covering. All that changed when Jesus died. The moment He gave up His spirit, the temple veil tore in two from top to bottom. That's God's way of saying, 'Now everyone can come to Me through My Son.'
Questions People Ask
What was the 'ark of the testimony'?
The 'ark of the testimony' refers to the chest containing the two stone tablets of the Ten Commandments. Those tablets bore witness to God's covenant with Israel, which is why they are called 'the testimony.' The ark was overlaid with gold and topped by the mercy seat, where God's presence dwelt.
Why did the veil have to screen the ark?
The veil screened the ark to separate the holy place from the most holy place. God's holiness is so intense that ordinary people could not enter that space. Only the high priest could go behind the veil once a year on the Day of Atonement, with blood for his own sins and the people's sins.
Did Moses set up the tabernacle by himself?
The text says Moses carried out these actions, but it likely means he supervised and performed the sacred acts as the representative leader. The whole community contributed to building the tabernacle. Being the one to place the ark and hang the veil was a solemn privilege and responsibility given to Moses as God's appointed servant.
How does this verse point to Jesus?
The writer of Hebrews (10:19-20) teaches that the veil in the tabernacle represented Christ's flesh. Just as the veil had to be parted to enter the most holy place, Christ's body was torn on the cross to open the way for us to enter God's presence. The Old Testament veil both hid and pointed to that future reality.
What is the 'tabernacle' in Exodus 40?
The tabernacle was a portable tent sanctuary that God commanded Israel to build as a place for Him to dwell among them during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. It had three sections: the outer court, the holy place, and the most holy place, where the ark was kept behind the veil. Everything was made according to God's design.
For pastors & researchers
Hebrew interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study