1 Kings 18:25 - Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

Ye are many, and I am willing to give you the precedency. This he did, partly because if he had first offered, and God had answered by fire, as he knew that he would do, Baal's priests would have been discouraged, and upon some excuse (which would easily be accepted in regard of the king's authority, and the favour which they had with the people) would have desisted from making the trial on their part; and partly because the disappointment of the priests of Baal, of which he was well assured, would notably prepare the way for the people's more diligent attention unto his words and actions, and cause them to entertain the prophet's good success with more admiration and affection; and this coming last, would leave the greater impression and relish upon their hearts. And this they accepted, be cause they might think, that if Baal did answer them first, which they presumed he would, the people would be so confirmed and heightened in their opinion of Baal, that they by the king's assistance might murder Elijah before he came to his experiment.