I will meet with you there: The ark was in the innermost part of the Holy Place (26:33). This inner room was like God's throne room (see study note on Leviticus 16:2).
In many pagan (non-Israelite) temples, an idol stood in that place. An idol is a physical image that people worship as a god. But the tabernacle had no idol. It had only the ark, a sacred box that showed God’s covenant faithfulness and grace (his loyal love and undeserved kindness).
God met his people in that setting. He did not meet them through an idol.
An idol shows a false belief about God. It suggests that a god is part of the created world and can be controlled by the right ritual (religious action). It assumes that people can gain blessings without caring about their own character or commitment.
But the Lord is completely separate from this world. He cannot be controlled or forced to act. He wants to bless his people. Yet his blessings are gifts of grace. People must receive them in trust and surrender to him.