They took the bull which was given them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, “Baal, hear us!” But there was no voice, and nobody answered. They leaped about the altar which was made.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 26. That they. Hebrew “which he (Achaz) had made;” ( Calmet.) or, “which was made.” Bible.—The altar of Elias was erected afterwards, verse 30. The prophets of Baal acted in a foolish manner, ( Calmet.) as if in jest, but really despairing of success. Bible.—The pagans were accustomed to dance around their altars:—Pingues spatiatur ad aras. Æneid iv.—and some would translate, “near the altar.” We might apply to these prophets, the verses of Horace:—
Dedit risusque jocosque,
Dum, flamma sine, thura liquescere limine sacro
Persuadere cupit: credat Judæus Apella
Non ego. Sat. 1:5.