The tabernacle, as were the more permanent structures that replaced it, was a “sanctuary,” that is, a sacred place. God did not personally dwell in this tabernacle, and he never had an image of himself there. He dwelt there only by spirit. This was indicated by a miraculous light over the Ark of the Covenant in the Most Holy compartment.

In the Most Holy stood the Ark of the Covenant, gold overlaid with a solid-gold “mercy seat” or “propitiatory cover,” atop which were two golden cherubs. Above the cover and between the cherubs was a miraculous cloud of light, indicating that God was with his people in the temple, not personally, but by spirit. His holy spirit was active there in providing this light.​—Ex. 25:10-22; Lev. 16:2.