You shall also make a table ("shulchan") (Ex. 25:23)
The numerical equivalent of the Hebrew word "shulchan" is 388, the same as the phrase "l'Moshiach," "for [the era of] Moshiach." In the Messianic era, all of the Temple's vessels and implements that have been plundered or hidden away will be restored for use in the Divine service.,(Chomat Anach)
You shall set the shew bread upon the table before Me always (Ex. 25:30)
Ever since the world was created out of nothingness, G-d's blessings can only come down when there is a physical object or vessel to contain them. As the function of the table in the Holy Temple was to influence abundance among the Jewish people, physical loaves of bread were necessary as a channel for G-d's blessings.
And you shall make upright boards for the Sanctuary (Ex. 26:15)
According to the Midrash, the world was unworthy of cedar trees (out of which these boards were made); nonetheless, G-d created them for the sake of the Sanctuary and the Holy Temple. The wood of the cedar is extremely hard, symbolic of strength and inflexibility. However, this very attribute was created to be utilized for positive purposes, i.e., that a Jew must never be deterred by those who mock him. (Avnei Ezel)
Reprinted from Parshat Terumah 5762/2002 edition of L’Chaim