Charles Ellicott Commentary 2 Corinthians 3:15

"But unto this day, whensoever Moses is read, a veil lieth upon their heart." — 2 Corinthians 3:15 (ASV)

Even unto this day, when Moses is read...—The mention of Moses is decisive regarding the meaning of the “Old Testament,” or covenant, in the previous verse. When he (Moses), as he is read, speaks to the people now, St. Paul reasons, there is still a veil between him and them; but it is, to use a modern phrase, subjective and not objective—on their heart, and not over his face. It has been suggested that there may be a reference to the Tallith, or four-cornered veil, that was worn by the Jews in their synagogues when they prayed or listened to the Law. This veil served as a symbol of reverence, similar to the seraphim in Isaiah 6:2, who covered their faces with their wings. It is, however, doubtful whether the use of the Tallith goes back that far. Even if its antiquity were proven, it must be remembered that although it covered the head and ears—the symbol, perhaps, of seclusion—it did not cover the face.