Exodus 26:31

26:31 “You are to make a special curtain ¹  of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and fine twisted linen; it is to be made ²  with cherubim, the work of an artistic designer.

Exodus 26:33-34

26:33 You are to hang this curtain under the clasps and bring the ark of the testimony in there behind the curtain. ³  The curtain will make a division for you between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. ⁴  26:34 You are to put the atonement lid on the ark of the testimony in the Most Holy Place.

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¹ tn Although translated “curtain” (traditionally “veil,” so ASV, NAB, NASB) this is a different word from the one used earlier of the tent curtains, so “special curtain” is used. The word פָרֹכֶת (farokhet) seems to be connected with a verb that means “to shut off” and was used with a shrine. This curtain would form a barrier in the approach to God (see S. R. Driver, Exodus, 289).

² tn The verb is the third masculine singular form, but no subject is expressed. It could be translated “one will make” or as a passive. The verb means “to make,” but probably has the sense of embroidering both here and in v. 1.

³ tn The traditional expression is “within the veil,” literally “into the house (or area) of the (special) curtain.”

⁴ tn Or “the Holy of Holies.”