Where was the Ark of the Covenant and the mercy seat located in the tabernacle?
The Ark of the Covenant, topped by the mercy seat, was located in the Holy of Holies, the innermost room of the tabernacle. This back room was separated from the outer room containing the table of showbread, altar of incense, and candlestick. On the Day of Atonement, the high priest entered to sprinkle blood on the mercy seat.
Les explains that the tabernacle was divided into two rooms. The back room, the Holy of Holies, contained the Ark of the Covenant with the mercy seat. The front room held the table of showbread, the altar of incense, and the candlestick. Outside were the laver of cleansing and the brazen altar, all within an outer fence. On the Day of Atonement, Aaron the high priest brought three animals, killed one, and sprinkled its blood on the mercy seat for his own sin, then the second animal's blood for Israel's sins, and the scapegoat was sent into the wilderness.