Where did the Shekinah glory rest in the tabernacle?
The Shekinah glory, described as a cloud, rested directly above the Ark of the Covenant, which was in the Holy of Holies. When tabernacle worship was ready to begin, that cloud settled right above the Ark, signifying God’s presence and mercy as Israel’s leader. It was not merely a symbol but the very presence of God.
Les explains that the Ark of the Covenant was the little box overlaid with gold, containing the tables of the Ten Commandments, a sampling of the manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded. Above the Ark was the mercy seat, the place of mercy. When everything was completed and they were ready to begin tabernacle worship, the Shekinah glory, this cloud, set itself right above the Ark of the Covenant, which was in the Holy of Holies. That same piece of furniture signified the very presence and mercy of God and would lead the children of Israel. Les also notes they were to keep a space of about 2,000 cubits, roughly 3,000 feet or a little over half a mile, between themselves and the Ark.