The Ark of the Covenant in the Sanctuary
Tabernacle Diagram
Throne of God on north side

The Bible tells us the table of shewbread was on the north side of the Holy Place, and the lampstand on the south, but we are not told where the altar of incense or Ark were placed.

When viewing a typical diagram of the tabernacle, you will always see the Ark of the Covenant on the west side of the Most Holy Place. This is incorrect, as it was probably placed on the north side.

On the Day of Atonement, the High Priest was told to sprinkle blood towards the east while standing in front of the Ark of the Covenant. If the ark was placed on the west side, the blood would fall on the ground in front of the ark, failing to place any blood on the ark. But if the ark were placed on the north side, it would fall on the right side of the ark. "He shall take some of the blood of the bull and sprinkle it with his finger on the mercy seat on the east side; and before the mercy seat he shall sprinkle some of the blood with his finger seven times." Lev. 16:14

Above:  Ark positioned on the north side of the Most Holy Place.

The throne of God is in the direction of the north, as Satan here desires to emulate God "For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north." Isaiah 14:13. Since the Ark of the Covenant was considered the throne of God, one would expect to find it on the north side of the Most Holy Place.

Above:  In the darkened corner, you can see the altar of incense positioned on the North side of the Holy Place, with the veil separating it from the ark.

The Bible tells us the altar of incense was separated from the ark by the large, thick curtain or veil.  The priest would cast blood toward the ark and onto the veil from his position at the altar.  So this means they were both on the north side since the ark was there, the altar of incense would have to be there also.

The temple in Jerusalem was situated on the north part of the city. Judgments of God’s people would come from the north, e.g., Babylon attacking Jerusalem, the future prophecy of Ezekiel 9 of angels coming to slaughter also come from the north. "He comes from the north as golden splendor; with God is awesome majesty" Job 37:22.

Ron Wyatt has said that the blood of animals is on the right side of the ark, as you face it, and the blood of Jesus is on the left.  It has been theorized that Jesus, in the sanctuary in heaven which is spoken of in Hebrews, is standing behind the Ark with His blood in front of him and with God next to Him.  This would place Jesus on the right hand of God.