Partition, Middle Wall of

Partition, Middle Wall Of (μεσότοιχον τοῦ φραγμοῦ), an expression used by Paul to designate the Mosaic law as the dividing line between Jews and Gentiles (Eph 2:14). Commentators are not exactly a greed as to the special point 'of the comparison, whether to the חֵיל, or sacred fence of stone pillars erected in the Temple to warn off all non-Jews (Josephas, ἑρκίον λιθίνου δρυφάκτου, Ant. 15:11, 5), or the inner veil of the Most Holy Place (1Ki 6:21, עַבֵּר, "he made a partition"), which was rent at the crucifixion (Mt 27:51; comp. Heb 10:20). SEE TEMPLE.

⇒See also the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia.