Matthew Poole and continuators on Romans 11:3

3. Lord, they have killed thy prophets , and digged down thine altars , and I am left alone , and they seek my life.

Vid. 1 King. 19.10, 14.

These were not the Altars of the high-places, for they are Commended that cast them down; nor the Altars in the Temple at Ierusalem, for they were out of the reach of the Ten Tribes, against whom Elias complains: But such Altars (say some) as the Godly of the Ten Tribes, did Build to serve God with, when they were not permitted to go up to Ierusalem; in which Case, the Building of private Altars (as some learned Iews have affirmed) was allowed. Or else by Altars, you may understand such Altars, as Elias himself, by the special Commandment of God, had Erected. Others, by digging down God's Altars, do understand their Corrupting, and Destroying the true Worship of God; and the Words are to be taken Synecdoctically, or Metonimically; the Sign being put for the Thing signified.

So it was for ought he knew; for few, if any did publickly own the true worship of God: So generally was the Defection of the Ten Tribes in those Dayes.

Marginal references: Or, my soul.