Treasury of Scripture
built It is probable that Saul converted the great stone, on which the cattle had been slaughtered, into an altar, on which sacrifices were offered, before the people attempted to proceed any further. This we are told was the first he had built. Samuel, as a prophet and priest, had hitherto erected the altars, but Saul seems to have thought he had sufficient authority to erect one himself, without the prophet, as he had once offered sacrifice without him.
1 Samuel 7:9,17 And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering wholly to the LORD: and Samuel cried to the LORD for Israel...
Judges 21:4 And it came to pass on the morrow, that the people rose early, and built there an altar...
Hosea 8:14 For Israel has forgotten his Maker, and builds temples; and Judah has multiplied fenced cities: but I will send a fire on his cities...
2 Timothy 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
the same, etc. [heb] that altar he began to build unto the Lord.