The Bible, originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, has been translated into hundreds of languages across the world—including Swahili. But with so many versions available, people often ask: Why are there so many Bible translations? And which one is the most accurate?
There are several key reasons:
Languages Evolve Over TimeJust like how modern Swahili has changed from how it was spoken 100 years ago, other languages change too. This means older Bible translations might become harder for modern readers to understand. New translations help communicate the same message in language that fits today’s context.
Different Translation ApproachesSome translators aim for a very literal, word-for-word translation (which can be harder to read but closer to the original text), while others focus more on capturing the overall meaning in a way that’s easy to understand (called thought-for-thought translation). This leads to different versions, each with its strengths.
Theological PerspectivesSometimes, translations are influenced by the beliefs of the people producing them. For example, a translation done by a particular denomination might lean toward their doctrinal views. That’s why it’s wise to be aware of who made a translation and what they believe.
Access to Better ManuscriptsOver time, scholars have discovered older and more reliable manuscripts of the Bible (like the Dead Sea Scrolls). These discoveries have helped improve accuracy in newer translations.
The “most accurate” Bible is one that remains faithful to the original languages and clearly communicates the meaning to today’s readers. It should be based on trustworthy manuscripts and translated by a group of scholars—not just one individual—to avoid personal bias.
For Swahili speakers, the Swahili Union Version (SUV) is considered a foundational and trustworthy translation. It has stood the test of time and is widely used across denominations. However, newer Swahili translations can still be helpful, especially when used alongside SUV for comparison and deeper understanding.
No single translation is perfect, but God’s message remains clear and unchanged. It’s wise to read from more than one version, compare them, and study the original meanings when possible. Most importantly, let the Holy Spirit guide you as you read and seek to understand God’s Word.
Print this post
Question.
What does the Bible mean when it talks about being given a “new name”?
Answer:
In Scripture, a name is far more than a label used to identify a person. A name often represents one’s character, nature, destiny, or relationship with God. When someone’s name changes in the Bible, it usually signifies a divine transformation—an inner change that corresponds to a new mission or covenant with God.
1. Biblical Examples of Name Changes
Abram to Abraham (Genesis 17:5).
No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. (ESV)
This change symbolized Abraham’s covenant with God and his destiny as the father of many nations.
Sarai to Sarah (Genesis 17:15):
God changed her name to Sarah, meaning “princess,” marking her role in God’s plan to birth nations through her lineage.
Jacob to Israel (Genesis 32:28):
Jacob’s name, meaning “supplanter,” was changed to Israel, meaning “he struggles with God,” after wrestling with God and receiving His blessing. This signified a shift from striving in his own strength to being marked by God’s covenant.
Saul to Paul (Acts 13:9):
Saul’s Hebrew name was associated with his former life as a persecutor of Christians, but as Paul, he embraced his mission as an apostle to the Gentiles.
2. God’s Names Reveal His Nature
Throughout Scripture, God introduces Himself with various names that reveal aspects of His character:
Each name uncovers a facet of His nature and covenant relationship with His people.
3. The Promise of a New Name in Christ’s Return
The book of Revelation contains two profound promises about new names—one for Christ and one for believers:
Christ’s New Name (Revelation 3:12):
The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. (ESV)
This suggests that when Christ returns, He will be revealed in a new dimension of glory and authority—not just as the Lamb who was slain (Revelation 5:6) but as the conquering King of kings (Revelation 19:11–16). His new name will reflect this royal and majestic reign.
A New Name for Believers (Revelation 2:17):
To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it. (ESV)
This intimate promise shows that every faithful believer will receive a unique name from Christ Himself, known only between them and the Savior, signifying a personal and eternal relationship.
4. Why This Matters for Us Today
Right now, we live in the age of grace where salvation is freely offered through the name of Jesus:
There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12, ESV)
There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
(Acts 4:12, ESV)
But when Christ returns, His new name will not represent His role as Redeemer but as Judge and King. This is why repentance and salvation are urgent now—because the door of mercy will not always remain open (Matthew 25:10–13).
5. The Eternal Glory Awaiting Us
For those who overcome, the new name symbolizes more than a title—it reflects transformation into Christ’s likeness and participation in His eternal kingdom:
A new name means a new identity in God’s family.
It signifies victory over sin and the world through Christ.
It marks our entrance into the New Jerusalem, where God dwells with His people forever (Revelation 21:1–4).
A Final Call
Beloved, the glory to come is beyond human comprehension. It is better to lose everything now than to miss the eternal kingdom of God. These are the last days; Christ’s return is near. Are you still clinging to worldly pursuits? Repent and turn to Christ today.
Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2 (ESV)
Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
2 Corinthians 6:2 (ESV)
May the Lord bless you as you prepare for His coming. Amen.
The Question
Is it possible for someone who is not saved to pray for another person and successfully cast out a demon? Conversely, can a saved person pray for someone yet the demon refuses to leave?
1. Can an Unsaved Person Cast Out a Demon?
The short answer is no. A person who has not been born again lacks the spiritual authority to confront demonic forces. Scripture teaches that before salvation, all people are under the dominion of darkness:
Colossians 1:13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.
Colossians 1:13
He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.
Someone still living in sin is spiritually captive; therefore, they cannot deliver another captive. Jesus Himself made this point in Mark 3:23–27, using the parable of the strong man:
How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. … But no one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. Then indeed he may plunder his house.
Only those who belong to Christ—those who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit—can exercise His authority over demonic powers. The unsaved, even if they use Christ’s name outwardly, are in danger of attack. This is what happened to the seven sons of Sceva in Acts 19:13–16:
But the evil spirit answered them, ‘Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?’ And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
This incident shows that demonic forces recognize genuine spiritual authority. Using Jesus’ name without being in covenant with Him is spiritually dangerous and ineffective.
2. Can a Saved Person Pray, Yet the Demon Does Not Leave?
Yes, this is possible. All believers have been given authority over demonic powers:
Luke 10:19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.
Luke 10:19
Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.
However, the effectiveness of deliverance ministry often depends on:
Faith and spiritual maturity of the believer (Matthew 17:19–21)
Resistance of the demonic entity—some spirits are stronger and more entrenched than others (Ephesians 6:12)
Prayer and fasting—Jesus taught that some demons only come out through deeper levels of spiritual discipline (Mark 9:29)
Spiritual Hierarchies of Demons
Paul teaches in Ephesians 6:12 that demonic powers operate in ranks:
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
This indicates that some spirits may resist simple commands and require persistent intercession, fasting, and spiritual discernment to dislodge.
Theological Reflection
Deliverance is not about human ability but about Christ’s authority working through a surrendered believer. The Great Commission confirms this.
Mark 16:17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues.
Mark 16:17
And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues.
However, Jesus also warned in Matthew 7:21–23 that some will claim to cast out demons in His name, yet He will say, “I never knew you.” The issue is not just power, but relationship and obedience to Christ.
Conclusion
An unsaved person cannot cast out demons—they remain under the devil’s domain.
A saved person can cast out demons, but effectiveness depends on faith, prayer, fasting, and intimacy with Christ.
True deliverance flows from Christ’s authority, not human effort.
Invitation
If you have not yet surrendered your life to Christ, receive Him today. Only in Him do we find freedom and authority over the enemy. As John 8:36 says:
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
Question: What is the meaning of the word Madhali in Psalm 21:11?
Answer: Let us carefully examine the passage:
Though they intended evil against You, though they devised a plot, they are not able to perform it. (Psalm 21:11, NKJV)
The Swahili term Madhali is rare in Scripture, appearing only once in the entire Bible. It carries the same meaning as the English word “Though” or “Although.” In other words, the verse conveys that even though enemies may scheme against God’s anointed one, their plans will inevitably fail.
Rephrased, the verse can be understood as:
Although they plotted evil against You and devised wicked schemes, they could not accomplish them.
Theological Insight
Psalm 21 is a royal psalm celebrating God’s deliverance of the king, which prophetically points to Christ, the ultimate Anointed One. In this verse, David acknowledges that human opposition cannot overthrow God’s purposes. This truth echoes throughout Scripture:
Proverbs 21:30 (ESV): No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the LORD.
Isaiah 54:17 (NKJV): No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD.
Romans 8:31 (NIV): If God is for us, who can be against us?
The phrase highlights God’s sovereignty and protective power. Even when adversaries meticulously plan harm, those plans are subject to divine authority. Evil may be intended, but God turns it for the good of His people (Genesis 50:20).
A Call to Personal Reflection
This passage also points us to a deeper question: Are you standing in Christ, the One who secures victory over every scheme of the enemy? Without Christ, humanity is vulnerable to the destructive power of sin and Satan. But in Him, we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37).
For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not delay. (Hebrews 10:37, NKJV)
For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not delay.
(Hebrews 10:37, NKJV)
The return of Christ is imminent. Now is the time to trust Him fully and walk in the assurance of His salvation.
Maranatha — The Lord is coming soon!
God’s choice of Moses wasn’t based on human merit, talent, or even moral excellence. In fact, Scripture makes it clear that God’s choices are rooted in His sovereign will, not in our works or qualifications. As Paul explains in Romans 9:11–17, God’s election is “not by works but by Him who calls.” This means that God’s purposes are carried out through grace, not human performance.
When we look at the life of Moses, we see that he was far from perfect. He had a past as a murderer (Exodus 2:11-12), he was hesitant and insecure about his calling (Exodus 3–4), and even tried to resist God’s command to confront Pharaoh. Yet God still chose him, not because Moses was righteous, but because God had a redemptive plan for His people Israel, and He sovereignly appointed Moses as the instrument through which that plan would unfold.
This is consistent with the way God works throughout the Bible. He often chooses the least likely people to fulfill His purposes — not so they may boast, but so He alone receives the glory (1 Corinthians 1:27–29). Just as God raised Pharaoh to demonstrate His power through judgment (Romans 9:17), He raised Moses to reveal His power through mercy and deliverance.
God also equipped Moses with what he lacked. Though Moses was “slow of speech and tongue” (Exodus 4:10), God provided Aaron to speak on his behalf and empowered Moses with signs and wonders to validate his divine mission. His meekness, which Numbers 12:3 highlights as one of his defining traits, was not self-made but Spirit-formed — a result of God’s transforming grace.
Ultimately, Moses’ calling points us to a greater reality: God’s saving work is always by grace alone. Just as Israel was delivered from physical bondage in Egypt, believers today are delivered from spiritual bondage to sin — not because we earned it, but because God, in His mercy, chose to save us in Christ (Ephesians 2:8–9). His grace takes the initiative, changes our hearts, and empowers us to walk in obedience.
So, no — Moses wasn’t chosen because he was better than others. He was chosen because God is sovereign, and He delights to use the weak and the humble to accomplish His purposes.
This is the good news of the Gospel: God saves and uses us, not because of who we are, but because of who He is. Share this truth with others — it’s too powerful to keep to yourself.
.
Genesis 15:16 Explained — A Theological Perspective (NKJV)
“But in the fourth generation they shall return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.”
This verse is part of a powerful and prophetic covenant moment between God and Abraham. To understand it properly, we must look at the broader context:
13 Then He said to Abram: “Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years.14 And also the nation whom they serve I will judge; afterward they shall come out with great possessions.15 Now as for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried at a good old age.16 But in the fourth generation they shall return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.”
Here, God reveals His long-term plan for Abraham’s descendants (the Israelites). He declares that:
They will be enslaved in a foreign land (Egypt) for 400 years (v.13).
God will judge that nation (Egypt), and His people will come out with great wealth (v.14).
Abraham himself will die peacefully, not witnessing the future events (v.15).
The fourth generation of his descendants will return to Canaan, the land God promised him (v.16).
But why wait 400 years? Why not give them the land immediately?
In modern terms, a “generation” often refers to 20–40 years. However, in ancient Near Eastern and biblical contexts, particularly in the patriarchal age, a generation could be understood more broadly — around 100 years. This aligns with the 400-year timeframe God gave in Genesis 15:13. Therefore, the “fourth generation” would represent the end of that 400-year sojourn in Egypt.
Exodus 12:40–41 (NKJV) confirms this:
“Now the sojourn of the children of Israel who lived in Egypt was four hundred and thirty years. And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years—on that very same day—it came to pass that all the armies of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt.”
Although Exodus mentions 430 years, many scholars believe the 400 years refers to the period of oppression, while 430 includes the time they lived peacefully before enslavement began (cf. Galatians 3:17).
This phrase provides one of the clearest biblical examples of God’s justice and mercy in perfect balance. The Amorites were one of the tribes inhabiting Canaan, and they were representative of the sinful Canaanite nations.
God delayed the Israelites’ conquest of Canaan because:
🕊 He was giving the Amorites time to repent.🔥 But He also knew that their wickedness would eventually reach a level that demanded judgment.
This is consistent with God’s character:
Nahum 1:3 (NKJV)
“The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked.”
God is patient, but not indifferent. When sin reaches its “full measure,” judgment comes. We see this also in:
Matthew 23:32 (NKJV) – Jesus says to the Pharisees:
“Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers’ guilt.”
Romans 2:4–5 (NKJV) – Paul warns:
“Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God.”
God reminded Israel that the conquest of Canaan was not because of their own righteousness but because of the wickedness of the nations there.
“Do not think in your heart, after the Lord your God has cast them out before you, saying, ‘Because of my righteousness the Lord has brought me in to possess this land’; but it is because of the wickedness of these nations that the Lord is driving them out from before you.It is not because of your righteousness or the uprightness of your heart… for you are a stiff-necked people.”
This is a sobering reminder that God’s blessings are acts of grace, not rewards for merit.
This passage in Genesis 15 highlights a biblical principle known as “progressive judgment.” God allows nations time to repent, but if they continue in rebellion, judgment becomes inevitable.
This is echoed in:
2 Peter 3:9 (NKJV)
“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”
Yet the warning is clear:
Hebrews 10:26–27 (NKJV)
“For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.”
The Amorites were given centuries to repent, but they did not. Eventually, judgment came through the Israelites’ conquest under Joshua.
Today, the world is similarly storing up wrath as it persists in sin. The message is clear:
God is patient — but His patience has a limit.
If you haven’t turned your life over to Jesus Christ, now is the time.
Acts 17:30–31 (NKJV)
“Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent,because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained.”
2 Corinthians 6:2 (NKJV)
“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
Jesus is calling you today. The cup of iniquity in this world is almost full — judgment is near. But before the wrath of God is poured out, He offers you mercy through the cross of Christ.
✝️ Jesus bore our judgment so we could be forgiven (Isaiah 53:5–6).
Will you receive Him? Will you turn from sin and trust in Christ alone for salvation?
Let us not be like the Amorites, whose hearts were hardened until it was too late. Instead, let us respond to God’s patience with humility, repentance, and faith.
And if this message has spoken to your heart, share it with someone else. Someone you know may still be living in that window of grace — and your word could help lead them to salvation.
“He who wins souls is wise.” (Proverbs 11:30)
Would you like this formatted into a PDF, blog post, or church handout? I can help with that too.
Noah’s Ark was essentially a large, three-decked vessel, described in the Bible as being 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high.
Genesis 6:13-15 says: “God said to Noah, ‘The end of all flesh has come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence; I will destroy them along with the earth. Make yourself an ark of gopher wood; make rooms in the ark and cover it inside and out with pitch. This is how you shall make it: 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high.'”
In modern measurements, this is roughly:
To give perspective, the Ark was comparable in size to today’s large cargo ships.
But this raises a common question: how could all the animals fit on the Ark, given the countless species in the world? There are four important points to consider:
The bigger lesson: God’s purposes are never limited by size, circumstance, or seeming impossibility. A small number of creatures on the Ark eventually led to the abundance of life we see today. Likewise, no matter how restricted your time, your situation, or your resources may seem, nothing can stop God’s plan through you.
Even the Apostle Paul, while imprisoned and prevented from preaching in other lands, wrote letters that continue to spread the Gospel far more effectively than some of his visits ever did.
Trust in God’s power wherever you are. Circumstances do not define His ability to work through you.
Share this message of hope and faith with others.
WhatsApp
Answer: To understand this, it is essential to grasp the spiritual purpose of fasting. Fasting is not merely abstaining from food; it is a spiritual discipline designed to weaken the desires of the flesh and strengthen the influence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The Apostle Paul explains this tension between the flesh and the spirit:
Galatians 5:16–17 (ESV):“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want.”
When someone eats or indulges in bodily desires during a fast, they submit to the flesh rather than the Spirit, thereby breaking the fast. The same principle applies to sins such as adultery. Sexual immorality is not only a spiritual violation but also a bodily one, directly opposing the purpose of fasting, which is to bring the body under the guidance of the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 6:18 (NIV):“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.”
This passage shows that sexual sin is intimately connected to the body, meaning that committing such a sin during a fast directly contradicts the spiritual goal of subduing the flesh.
Additional Theological Insights:
Fasting as Spiritual Warfare: Fasting is a tool for spiritual breakthrough (Matthew 17:21, KJV: “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting”). When we sin during a fast, we undermine the spiritual authority we are meant to exercise.
Repentance Restores Spiritual Alignment: Scripture teaches that broken fellowship with God caused by sin can be restored through repentance. True repentance involves a heartfelt turning away from sin (1 John 1:9, ESV: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”). After repentance, one may resume fasting under the Spirit’s guidance.
Fasting and Holiness: Fasting is a form of sanctification—a way to honor God with our bodies. When the body is involved in sin during a fast, it defiles the intended holy purpose. Thus, restoring the fast requires intentional repentance and renewed consecration to God.
Practical Application: Anyone who sins during a fast, especially a sin like sexual immorality, should immediately repent, seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and consider fasting again at a later time with renewed spiritual focus.
May the Lord give us strength to walk in the Spirit, control the desires of the flesh, and honor Him through our fasting.
Share this teaching with others so they may understand the spiritual significance of fasting and the importance of holiness in body and spirit.
If you’re a child, this is important for you to learn. And if you’re a parent, you should learn this too—and make sure to teach it to your children.
Leviticus 19:3 (NIV) says: “Each of you must respect your mother and father, and you must keep my Sabbaths. I am the LORD your God.”
This verse is part of the Holiness Code where God calls His people to live holy lives, set apart by obedience and respect—not only to Him but also within family relationships. The command to “honor” parents is foundational and highlights the importance of family order and respect.
To “honor” your parents does not mean to worship them, which is reserved for God alone (Exodus 20:3-5). Instead, it means to show them the highest respect—listening to them, obeying their guidance, and treating them with dignity and care, as long as their requests do not contradict God’s will (Acts 5:29).
This reflects the biblical principle that honoring parents brings God’s blessing. Just as we obey God to receive His favor and avoid His discipline, honoring parents invites blessing and peace into our lives (Ephesians 6:1-3).
Many think this command applies only to young children under parental care, but Scripture teaches otherwise. Even adults—regardless of age—are called to honor their living parents. The command is lifelong because the parent-child relationship endures (Psalm 71:18).
The Apostle Paul echoes this in Ephesians 6:1-3 (NIV): “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’—which is the first commandment with a promise—‘so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.’”
If you disrespect your parents simply because they are elderly, you misunderstand God’s word.
Proverbs 23:22 (NIV) instructs: “Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.”
The book of Proverbs frequently emphasizes wisdom in relationships and warns against disrespecting parents. Such behavior is seen as foolish and leads to serious consequences.
Proverbs 30:11 (NIV) says: “There is a generation that curses their father and does not bless their mother.”
This highlights a societal breakdown when respect for parents is lost.
This is a poetic way to warn that disrespecting parents leads to severe consequences, including loss of spiritual insight or guidance. The “eye” symbolizes understanding and direction in life.
The “lamp” here symbolizes life itself (Job 21:17). To curse one’s parents invites God’s judgment, which can include premature death or a life devoid of blessing.
Other consequences include a lack of prosperity and blessings (Malachi 4:6).
Reflection: Do you honor your parents? Do you pray for them? Have you made peace with them? If not, today is the perfect day to begin.
The biblical call to honor parents is not just cultural—it is a divine command with promises of blessing and consequences for disobedience.
May God bless you and guide us all in living out this truth.
Leviticus 24:3 says, “Outside the veil of the testimony, in the tent of meeting, Aaron shall arrange it from evening until morning before the LORD continually; it shall be a statute forever throughout your generations.”
The “Veil of the Testimony” (also called the “Curtain”) was a heavy, finely woven curtain that divided the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (or Holy of Holies) in the Tabernacle (Exodus 26:31-33). The Most Holy Place was where the Ark of the Covenant the visible symbol of God’s presence and His covenant with Israel was kept (Exodus 25:10-22).
Theological significance: The veil physically separated God’s holiness from sinful humanity, emphasizing that sinful man could not enter God’s immediate presence freely. The Most Holy Place was considered the dwelling place of God’s glory (Shekinah), and only the high priest could enter once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) to make atonement for the sins of Israel (Leviticus 16).
When the Israelites traveled, they dismantled the Tabernacle. To protect the Ark from exposure, God commanded that the veil be used to cover it during transport (Numbers 4:5-6). This demonstrated reverence and the sacredness of God’s presence, even in transit.
Numbers 4:5 says,
“When they set out, Aaron shall enter the tent of meeting and take down the veil of the screen and cover the ark of the testimony with it.”
Spiritually, the veil symbolizes the barrier that sin places between humanity and God. Under the Old Covenant, access to God’s presence was restricted and mediated through the priesthood and sacrifices, which only covered sins temporarily (Hebrews 9:7).
The tearing of the veil: At Jesus’ death, the veil was torn in two from top to bottom (Matthew 27:50-51 ESV), signifying the removal of this barrier not by human effort but by God’s sovereign act.
Matthew 27:50-51 says,
“And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.”
This event revealed that through Jesus’ once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10), believers now have direct access to God’s presence.
Hebrews 4:14-16 encourages believers,
“Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
This grace and access were longed for by Old Testament saints but were only made fully available through Christ (Hebrews 11:13).
A sobering warning: Because of this amazing grace, rejecting or profaning it is a grave matter.
Hebrews 10:29 warns,
“How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace?”
Summary: The veil was a tangible symbol of separation caused by sin, but through Christ’s death and resurrection, that separation has been removed. Now, all who believe can approach God’s throne of grace with confidence. This is a profound gift that calls for reverence, faithfulness, and gratitude.
May God help us to live in the light of this grace and never take it for granted.