דברי הימים ב, פרק ג׳, פסוק י״ד

The partition separating the sacred spaces within the Temple was a masterful blend of architecture and artistry. The account of the veil's creation was recorded by Ezra the Scribe, adding a crucial detail that was omitted from the parallel historical record in the Book of Kings [מלבי״ם].

Placed at the entrance to the Holy of Holies, the veil raises an interesting question about the need for dual partitions, as this entrance was already equipped with doors. The primary approach among commentators is that the fabric was draped directly over these doors [רש״י, מצודת דוד]. A practical reason for this layered setup is that the doors to the Holy of Holies were intentionally left open so the poles of the Ark inside could remain visible. Because the doors stayed unclosed, the veil was necessary to serve as a functional screen [רד״ק].

The veil was woven from the finest materials, specifically linen and thread dyed with a vibrant crimson [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. It was beautifully decorated with figures of cherubim. Rather than being raised or sculpted, these cherubim were flat images intricately embroidered directly into the fabric [רש״י, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This artistic method closely mirrored the design of the original veil used in the desert Tabernacle [רד״ק].