Leviticus 16:2, 12, 15
This phrase, “inside the veil” only occurs in these three verses in this form in the Old Testament in the ESV. The KJV lists two other verses (Exodus 26:33; Num. 18:7) but instead of “inside the veil” has the archaic “within the vail”. The NASB lists the Leviticus occurrences and has in addition the Numbers 18:7 occurrence as “inside the veil.” The NIV lists “inside the veil” as “behind the curtain.” The words “within” and behind” do convey, I think, a better understanding of the action taken by Aaron – he goes behind the veil, the curtain, in contrast to inside the veil. One cannot really be inside a veil unless one wears a curtain or veil. The word for “inside” or “within” is derived from the Hebrew word for “house” (bayith). Curtain or veil is readily understood and reflects the reality of a curtain or veil.
Leviticus 16 is about the “Day of Atonement”. It is one of the annual feasts of Israel and was considered a “fast day” (Acts 27:9). Leviticus 23 gives a full list of all the feasts of Israel. The Day of Atonement took place on the tenth day of the seventh month – Tishri (Lev. 16:29; 23:27), our October-November. Leviticus 16 provides an overview of what would happen on the Day of Atonement in vv. 6 – 10. There is; a). the sin offering of a bull for Aaron and his house (also vv. 11 – 14, 24, 25, 27); b). the sin offering of the two goats for the sins of the people – one being for sacrifice and the other to be a scapegoat or Azazel (vv. 7, 8; 15 – 19; 24, 25); and c). the sending out of the scapegoat into the wilderness (vv. 20 – 22). [Read more…] about Inside The Veil