In the biblical context, the arrangement of furnishings, particularly within the Tabernacle and later the Temple, holds significant theological and symbolic importance. The meticulous instructions given by God for the placement and use of these items underscore their sacred purpose and the orderliness that God desires in worship.

The Tabernacle:

The Tabernacle, as described in the Book of Exodus, was a portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wanderings in the wilderness. God provided Moses with detailed instructions on how to construct and furnish the Tabernacle. The arrangement of its furnishings was not arbitrary but divinely ordained, reflecting heavenly realities and facilitating proper worship.

1. The Ark of the Covenant: The most sacred item, the Ark of the Covenant, was placed in the Most Holy Place, or the Holy of Holies. It was the focal point of God's presence among His people. "Place the mercy seat on top of the ark, and put the Testimony that I will give you into the ark" (Exodus 25:21).

2. The Table of Showbread: Positioned in the Holy Place, the Table of Showbread held twelve loaves of bread, symbolizing God's provision and the twelve tribes of Israel. "And you are to set the bread of the Presence on the table before Me at all times" (Exodus 25:30).

3. The Golden Lampstand: Also located in the Holy Place, the lampstand provided light, symbolizing God's guidance and the illumination of His Word. "Then make its seven lamps and set them up on the lampstand so that they illuminate the area in front of it" (Exodus 25:37).

4. The Altar of Incense: This altar stood before the veil separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. The incense burned here represented the prayers of the people ascending to God. "Put the altar in front of the veil that is before the ark of the Testimony—before the mercy seat that is over the Testimony—where I will meet with you" (Exodus 30:6).

5. The Bronze Altar and Laver: Located in the courtyard, the bronze altar was used for sacrifices, and the laver was for the priests' ceremonial washing. These items emphasized the need for atonement and purification before approaching God.

The Temple:

Solomon's Temple, a more permanent structure, followed a similar pattern to the Tabernacle but on a grander scale. The furnishings were arranged to maintain the sanctity and order established in the wilderness.

1. The Holy of Holies: The Ark of the Covenant remained the central focus, housed within the innermost chamber. "Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the LORD to its place in the inner sanctuary of the house, in the Most Holy Place, beneath the wings of the cherubim" (1 Kings 8:6).

2. The Holy Place: The Temple contained ten lampstands and ten tables of showbread, indicating an increase in the nation's prosperity and God's continued provision. "He made ten tables and placed them in the temple, five on the south side and five on the north" (2 Chronicles 4:8).

3. The Altar of Incense and Other Furnishings: These were arranged to facilitate the worship and sacrificial system, maintaining the order prescribed by God.

Symbolism and Significance:

The arrangement of furnishings in both the Tabernacle and the Temple was rich with symbolism. Each item pointed to aspects of God's character, His covenant with Israel, and the means by which His people could approach Him. The precise placement and use of these furnishings underscored the holiness of God and the reverence required in worship. The furnishings also foreshadowed the coming of Christ, who fulfilled the law and the prophets, becoming the ultimate means of access to God.