Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Kings 18:32

32 And with the stones he built an altar in the Name of the LORD : and he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two measures of seed.

With the assistance of the People, who readily yielded their helping-hand.

Which, though generally forbidden, he might do, because he did it by the command and suggestion of God, who can dispence with his own Laws, and upon apparent and urgent necessity, and for a work of great mercy, (to which even by Gods Command the Ceremonial Laws must give place, Hos. 6. 6. Mar. 2. 27.) even for the conversion of the Israelites, whom it was impossible▪ to bring to the Altar of Ierusalem at this time.

By the Authority of God, and for his Worship.

i. e. Two third parts of an Ephah: which shews that the [illegible: 1+ letters]rench was of a competent largeness.