Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Kings 18:30

"And 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." — 1 Kings 18:30 (ASV)

The altar of the Lord—evidently referred to as well known, and here accepted by Elijah as having a true sacredness. The exclusive consecration of the appointed sanctuary at Jerusalem, if it had ever been thoroughly recognised until then, was now obviously broken down by the religious severance of Israel.