1 Kings 18:26

That they. Hebrew, "which he (Achaz) had made;" (Calmet) or, "which was made." (Haydock) --- The altar of Elias was erected afterwards, ver. 30. The prophets of Baal acted in a foolish manner, (Calmet) as if in jest, but really despairing of success. (Haydock) --- The pagans were accustomed to dance around their altars: --- Pingues spatiatur ad aras. (Virgil, \'c6neid 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. i. 5.)