How thick and heavy was the temple veil?
The temple veil was so thick and so heavy that, according to an indication attributed to Josephus, a team of oxen could not have ripped it apart. Scripture does not give exact thickness or weight measurements, but the veil's massive construction underscores the miracle of it being torn from top to bottom.
Les explains that the veil was the part in the tabernacle, and later the temple, that separated the sanctuary where priests ministered daily from the Holy of Holies, where the Ark of the Covenant, the presence of God, and the Shekinah Glory were. Only Aaron the High Priest went behind the veil once a year on the Day of Atonement. In Solomon's temple, Les teaches the veil was so thick and so heavy that Josephus gives an indication a team of oxen couldn't have ripped it apart. Yet the account says it was ripped in two from top to bottom, proving men had nothing to do with it; it was a miracle-working God. The veil symbolized His Body of Flesh, showing the way into God's presence was made possible by His death.