Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Kings 18:19

19 Now therefore send , and gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel , and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebels table.

To wit, Messengers, that this controversy between thee and me may be decided, the true cause of these heavy Judgments discovered and removed, that so this Plague may be removed.

By their Deputies, or Heads, and Representatives, that they may be Witnesses of all our Transactions.

Not that Carmel in Iudah, 1 Sam. 15. 12. but another in Issachar by the Midland-Sea, Ios. 19. 26. Ier. 46. 18. which he chose as a very convenient place, being not far from the Center of his Kingdom, to which all the Tribes might conveniently resort, and at some good distance from Samaria, that Iezebel might not hinder his design; and a very high Mountain, Amos 9. 3. and that upon the Sea, whence he might have the opportunity to discover the Rain at its first approach, which he did chap. 42, &c.

Which were dispersed in all the parts of the Kingdom.

Which attended upon those Baals or Idols which were worshipped in the Groves, which were near the Royal City, and much valued and frequented by the King and the Queen, 1 King. 15. 13. and 16. 33. 2 King. 13. 6. and therefore were maintained at the Queens Charges.