It is, but it isn't

From the preceding discussion we can conclude that the material image was animated by the divine essence. Therefore, it did not simply represent the deity; it manifested its presence. We should not conclude, however, that the image was therefore the deity. The deity was the reality that was embodied in the image.—Walton and Walton, The Lost World of the Torah, 242–43

<idle musing>
In my experience, this is the most difficult thing to get across to people who are unfamiliar with the ANE. It is a way of thinking that they have never encountered before, but it is the default view in the ANE.
</idle musing>