The next step was the Alter of Incense- the only fire that could be used to burn incense here was to be taken directly from the brazen alter of sacrifice- the only acceptable cleansing come from Christ's sacrifice- an attempt was made by tow of Aaron's sons to bring strange fire into God's presence signifying that God's provision (Jesus) was the only way in and any other way would only result in destruction and death- the brazen alter met the price of mans sin and corruption only it's fire could burn in the place of true worship and prayer this is symbolized in the Alter of incense:
Rev 8:3 And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.
Rev 8:4 And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand.
Rev 8:5 And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.
The next piece pf furniture in the tabernacle was the Ark of the Covenant- this was constructed of wood overlayed with gold- it's contents were :
Heb 9:4 Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;
this ark typified Jesus Christ who contained the law and the rod- the rule of law- He not only contained God's Holiness and glory but He is the fulfillment of it - on top of the ark was placed the mercy seat-this was constructed of pure gold- no mans work here but only the divine-there were two cherubim mounted on top facing each other with their wings touching at the top-this is were the blood of the sacrificial lamb was applied- THE MEETING PLACE BETWEEN GOD AND MAN WAS WERE THE MERCY OF GOD OVERSHADOWED THE LAW (JUDGMENT) OF GOD- as the blood was applied to the mercy seat the shekinah glory of God would appear and light the holy of holies with His glory- friends this is still the meeting place for God and man- the place were the shed blood of His Son is applied and the mercy of God covers His judgment.
Again all the furniture in the tabernacle was aligned in the shape of the cross.
This is only a quick sketch of this revelation and I encourage anyone reading to find several good books on the subject and dig in- you will never read the old testament the same way as you will begin to see Jesus in all those scriptures!