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1 Kings 18:32

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 1 Kings 18:32 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And with the stones he built an altar in the name of Jehovah; and he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two measures of seed.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And with the stones he built an altar in the name of Jehovah; and he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two measures of seed.
1 Kings 18:32 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Kings 18

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
29And it was so, when midday was past, that they prophesied until the time of the offering of the [evening] oblation; but there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded.
30And Elijah said unto all the people, Come near unto me; and all the people came near unto him. And he repaired the altar of Jehovah that was thrown down.
31And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, unto whom the word of Jehovah came, saying, Israel shall be thy name.
32And with the stones he built an altar in the name of Jehovah; and he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two measures of seed.
33And he put the wood in order, and cut the bullock in pieces, and laid it on the wood. And he said, Fill four jars with water, and pour it on the burnt-offering, and on the wood.
34And he said, Do it the second time; and they did it the second time. And he said, Do it the third time; and they did it the third time.
35And the water ran round about the altar; and he filled the trench also with water.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And with the stones he built an altar in the same of the Lord, etc.] Whom the twelve tribes had formerly worshipped; and though now divided in their civil state, yet ought to be united in the worship of God: and he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two measures of seed; or two seahs, one of which was the third part of an ephah, and two of them were more than half a bushel; and this trench or ditch round the altar was as broad as such a measure of seed would sow.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“He built an altar in the name of the Lord - i. e., calling, as he built it, on the name of Yahweh, and so dedicating it to His service. Two measures of seed - literally, “two seahs of seed.” The seah contained about three gallons. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“And with: Exo 20:24, Exo 20:25; Jdg 6:26, Jdg 21:4; Sa1 7:9, Sa1 7:17 in the name: Co1 10:31; Col 3:17 3 Kings (1 Kings) 18:33”
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Related study paths

Read 1 Kings 18 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification