Which direction did the tabernacle face, and how was it oriented?

Les explains that the tabernacle was oriented with its front facing east and always set the same way, with west opposite and south to one side. As man would approach God, he had to come from the east, where the brazen altar stood for sacrifices. Yet God began His instructions in Exodus 25 with the ark of the covenant and mercy seat, where the high priest came once a year to sprinkle. Les emphasizes this order shows salvation must begin with God Himself, for man does not look for and find God.