THE TEMPLE CURTAIN

1. DEFIANCE The Death of Nadab and Abihu 10 Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the L ORD, contrary to his command. 2 So fire came out from the presence of the L ORD and consumed them, and they died before the L ORD. 3 Moses then said to Aaron, “This is what the L ORD spoke of when he said: “‘Among those who approach me I will be proved holy; in the sight of all the people I will be honored.’” Aaron remained silent. Leviticus

2. CURIOSITY 19 But God struck down some of the inhabitants of Beth Shemesh, putting seventy [a] of them to death because they looked into the ark of the L ORD. The people mourned because of the heavy blow the L ORD had dealt them. 20 And the people of Beth Shemesh asked, “Who can stand in the presence of the L ORD, this holy God? To whom will the ark go up from here?” 1 Samuel a

3. ARROGANCE 6 When they came to the threshing floor of Nakon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen stumbled. 7 The L ORD ’s anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore God struck him down, and he died there beside the ark of God. 2 SAMUEL 6 6-7

Exodus The gold bells and the pomegranates are to alternate around the hem of the robe. 35 Aaron must wear it when he ministers. The sound of the bells will be heard when he enters the Holy Place before the L ORD and when he comes out, so that he will not die.

Hebrews 4 14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, [f] Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.f

Hebrews Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.