Hebrews 9:3 – Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place,

Extended Explanation of the Verse

This verse speaks about the layout of the tabernacle, God’s portable sanctuary in the wilderness. After the first room—the Holy Place—there was a second room. This room was separated by a thick curtain and was called the Most Holy Place, also known as the Holy of Holies.

This second room was extremely sacred. Only one person, the high priest, could enter it—and only once a year on the Day of Atonement—see –Leviticus 16:2, –Hebrews 9:7. Inside, it held the ark of the covenant, which was a wooden chest covered in gold that represented God’s covenant with His people. The lid of the ark was called the mercy seat, where God’s presence would meet with the high priest.

This verse reminds us that under the old system, access to God’s full presence was limited. There was a barrier—a curtain—that kept people out.

Historical Context

In the Old Testament, the Most Holy Place was the center of Israel’s worship and represented the very presence of God—see –Exodus 26:33-34. It was set apart, holy, and inaccessible to the average person. The curtain served as a physical and symbolic reminder that sin separates humanity from God.

For the original readers of Hebrews, this was deeply familiar. The Most Holy Place represented the highest level of reverence and awe. But it also represented distance. They understood how serious and restricted access to God was under the old covenant.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches that direct access to God was not possible without a mediator. Sin made a barrier, and only through sacrifice could that barrier be temporarily crossed. The curtain was not just fabric—it was a symbol of separation between a holy God and sinful people.

But it also sets the stage for something greater. That curtain wouldn’t remain forever. It pointed to a need for a better way—a permanent solution for sin.

Literary Analysis

This verse is short and simple, but it carries weight. The phrase “behind the second curtain” gives a sense of depth and secrecy. It’s meant to show the limits of the old covenant system. The term “Most Holy Place” suggests there is something sacred and set apart, and the reader should feel the seriousness and exclusivity of that space.

The placement of this verse also builds anticipation. It prepares the reader for the contrast that’s coming—how Jesus, unlike the old priests, has entered not just an earthly holy place, but heaven itself.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• –Exodus 26:33 – Instructions for the curtain and the Most Holy Place

• –Leviticus 16:2 – Only the high priest may enter, once a year

• –Hebrews 9:7 – Description of the high priest entering once a year

• –Matthew 27:51 – The temple curtain torn at Jesus’ death

• –Hebrews 10:19-20 – Jesus opened the way through the curtain

• –Exodus 25:22 – God promises to meet His people above the ark

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, this verse reminds us of what we were saved from. Under the old way, God’s presence was closed off. You couldn’t just walk in. But because of Jesus, that’s no longer true. The curtain has been torn—see –Matthew 27:51.

We now have full access to God, not because of anything we did, but because Jesus made a way. That’s something we should never take for granted. It should lead us to gratitude, humility, and confidence in prayer—see –Hebrews 4:16.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Even though the Most Holy Place was restricted, God still made a way for people to connect with Him—even if it was limited. That shows His patience and mercy. He didn’t turn His back on people, but He gave them a system to approach Him until the full way could be revealed through Jesus.

God’s love is seen in how He gradually unfolded His plan—step by step—until the full light came in Christ.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the one who opened the way into the Most Holy Place—not the earthly one, but the true one in heaven—see –Hebrews 9:11-12. When He died on the cross, the temple curtain was torn from top to bottom—see –Matthew 27:51—showing that the barrier between God and man was gone.

He didn’t enter by the blood of animals but by His own blood. He didn’t go once a year, but once for all. And now, through Him, we have full access to the presence of God—see –Hebrews 10:19-22.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

• What does the curtain in the tabernacle teach us about God’s holiness?

• Why was the Most Holy Place off-limits to everyone but the high priest?

• How do you feel knowing that Jesus removed that barrier for you?

• What does it mean to “enter God’s presence” today, and how should that shape your daily life?

• How can you approach God with both reverence and confidence?