an altar] The altar before mentioned: which, in this extraordinary case, warranted by God himself (v. 36.) was lawfull; though otherwise forbidden, Deut. 12. 13, 14. See the Notes on 1 Samuel 7:9. and 1 Samuel 9:12. and Judg. 21. 4. in the Name] At the appointment (v. 36.) to the honour, (compare 1 Corinthians 10:31. with Colossians 3:17.) for the service of the LORD. a trench] A ditch, or a water-chanell. as great] As wide and as deep as a bag of two pecks and an half of seed might lie in: or a furrow, so much in compasse as men ordinarily sowe two pecks and an half of seed in. The Hebrew word, seed, translated measure, signifieth the quantity of somewhat more then a peck and a pottle.