In this instruction, God is guiding Moses in the final stages of setting up the tabernacle, a portable sanctuary that would accompany the Israelites on their journey. The ark of the covenant, a sacred chest containing the stone tablets of the law, represents God's promise and His presence among His people. By placing the ark in the tabernacle and shielding it with a curtain, God establishes a physical and symbolic boundary that underscores His holiness. The curtain acts as a veil, separating the Most Holy Place from the rest of the tabernacle, reminding the Israelites of the sanctity of God's presence.
This separation is not meant to distance God from His people but to teach them about the reverence and respect necessary when approaching the divine. It highlights the importance of purity and preparation in worship, as well as God's desire to dwell among His people in a way that is both intimate and respectful. This concept of God's presence being both near and set apart is a foundational aspect of the relationship between God and humanity, encouraging believers to approach God with both confidence and humility.
