Exodus 26:31 to Exodus 27:8
If we proceed from the inside to the outside, which is God’s way with the sinner, the Tabernacle comprises first a most holy place – inaccessible – containing only the ark of the testimony (v. 33), then a holy place, separated from the most holy by a veil, the meaning of which is explained in Hebrews 10:20 : "the veil, that is to say, his flesh". The humanity of Christ is thus represented: a gathering together of glories and perfections, some idea of which is given by the materials employed. The embroidered cherubim recall to us those which forbade men access to the tree of life (Genesis 3:24). But at the death of Jesus, the veil of the temple was rent, God thus opening to man a way into His presence.
Before the veil are placed the table and the candlestick (v. 35) as well as the golden altar (Exodus 30:6). The tent itself is closed by a wrought curtain, but without cherubim, as the priests are allowed to enter there to accomplish their service. Finally, before the tent there is set up the brazen altar, described in Exodus 27:1-8. It is square and of considerable size, so speaking to us of the cross and its efficacy. It is made of shittim wood: Christ made man for us, to suffer and die – overlaid with brass: fitted for withstanding the test of the fire of divine judgment against sin. Glory to our perfect Redeemer!