1 Kings 6:22

the whole altar thatwas by the oracle The preposition is not significant of position, but of possession. Read -the whole altar that belonged to the oracle." The priest who offered incense continually on this altar in the holy place could not enter the most holy place, but the altar on which the offering was made, though standing without, was looked upon as a part of the more sacred portion of the building, and placed close to the dividing wall.