They cried aloud: See the comments on the previous verse.

The prophets of Baal cut themselves intentionally. Making cuts or incisions on their bodies was a part of the worship practice of those who were devoted to Baal. The Law forbid the Israelite people to cut themselves as part of their worship of God (Lev 19.28; Deut 14.1), but some people did so anyway (Hos 7.14).

After their custom: This explanation provided by the writer is translated as a parenthetical statement in New Century Version, which reads “(This was the way they worshiped.)” Others may prefer to make this explanation a more integral part of the translation, saying “following their usual way of worshiping” or “as was their practice” (Moffatt).

Swords: The Hebrew noun here is often translated “swords” in English translations, but it probably refers to a short sword used for stabbing and is better translated as “daggers” or “knives” (Moffatt, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, Good News Translation).

The Hebrew noun rendered lances refers to spears that have long shafts and are thrust at the enemy rather than thrown like a spear or javelin. Good News Translation says “daggers,” but either lances or “spears” (Revised English Bible, New American Bible, New Jerusalem Bible) is a more accurate translation.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .