Which direction did the tabernacle gate face?
The gate in the tabernacle's outer fence was always set to the east, facing east. This placed it in the direction of the tribe of Judah, which led Israel's journeys, and the other tribes were positioned around the tabernacle accordingly.
Les explains that the tabernacle was always set with the door or gate in the outer fence facing east. The tribes were arranged around the tabernacle: Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun on the east; Reuben, Simeon, and Gad on the south; Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin on the west; and Dan, Asher, and Naphtali on the north. Judah led because Reuben sinned, and Christ comes from Judah. The outer fence was made high so no one could casually look in.