Curtain

Curtains in Scripture primarily refer to the hangings and veil systems of the tabernacle. Ten curtains of fine twined linen embroidered with cherubim in blue, purple, and scarlet formed the inner ceiling of the tabernacle structure (Exodus 26:1–6), held together by golden clasps. A further eleven curtains of goats' hair formed the outer tent (Exodus 26:7–13). The inner curtain or veil (paroketh) separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, restricting access to the ark of the covenant and the divine presence to the high priest alone, once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16).

Isaiah 40:22 uses God stretching out the heavens like a curtain as an image of divine majesty in creation. The theological significance of the inner veil culminates in the Gospels' account of the tearing of the temple curtain from top to bottom at the moment of Jesus's death (Matthew 27:51; Mark 15:38; Luke 23:45). Hebrews interprets this explicitly: access to the true Most Holy Place — God's own presence — has been opened through the body of Christ, the veil he passed through (Hebrews 10:19–20), and the way into the sanctuary now stands permanently open to all who approach through him.