We find mention made (2 Samuel 16:23) of the oracle of God; but we are at a loss to understand so as to speak with certainty concerning the meaning. In the building of Solomon's temple we are told, that there was "a part for the oracle, even for the most holy place." (1 Kings 6:16) By which it should seem, that the mercy-seat or propitiatory, was intended by the word oracle. And the Psalmist seems to throw a farther light upon the term, considered in this point of view, when he saith, (Psalms 28:2) "Hear the voice of my supplications when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands towards thy holy oracle." For where should a soul lift up his hands and his heart, but to the mercy seat, God in Christ speaking from between the cherubim? The word Dabir, which is the word used for oracle, 1 Kings 6:16, properly signifies oracle. But the word Caphoreth (from Capher or Copher, to expiate or pardon) is used for the mercy seat, Exodus 25:18. But in either sense, or in both, by oracle must imply the answers of the Lord to his people. And what is said, of the answers by Urim and Thummim, by visions of the night, by prophecy, and the like, all is one and the same, when the Lord makes known the sacred purposes of his will. Hence the apostle, speaking of those who ministered in holy things, enjoined this precept, "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God;" that is, the truths of God. (1 Peter 4:11. See Genesis 27:5-6; Numbers 13:6-8)