ESV Reformation Study Bible – Matt 27:51
Resources chevron-right ESV Reformation Study Bible chevron-right Matthew chevron-right Matt 27:51
Matt 27:51

27:51 curtain . . . was torn. The veil of the temple was the curtain separating the Most Holy Place from the rest of the sanctuary. It symbolized the unapproachability of God (Heb. 9:8). Jesus’ death was His sacrifice at the heavenly altar (Heb. 9:12, 24, 25), which opened the way to God (Heb. 10:19, 20), removing the veil. Heaven had been opened through the royal priesthood of Christ (1 Pet. 2:9).

from top to bottom. Implying a divine action.