Why does Scripture start the tabernacle description with the Ark of the Covenant?
Scripture begins the tabernacle description with the Ark of the Covenant because, from God's point of view, everything moves from Him out to mankind. The Ark is the starting point, and every detail of the tabernacle pictures Christ and His work of the cross.
Les explains that when they previously studied the tabernacle, they started as Scripture did with the Ark of the Covenant, because everything from God's point of view moves from Him out to mankind. But he then reverses the order to move from the outside, the outer court, and end up at the Ark of the Covenant. He notes the outer fence or wall was made of pure white linen, and its framework of posts and boards was wood covered with gold. He emphasizes that every detail of the whole tabernacle is a picture of Christ and His work of the cross. The tabernacle would not stand long before God said it was time to move on.