Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

Some think it was his ordinary apparel, in regard that the Prophets used to wear a mantle, as testifieth Zachariah 13.4. But this is too weak a conjecture; neither hath it any show of reason. It is more likely that he was clothed with sackcloth, to express his sorrow. For those of Judea were become so senseless, that they cared not a whit; neither thought they that this misery should ever be able to come near them: no nor then when their poor brethren were miserably afflicted ⟨p. 202⟩and scattered before their eyes: nay, they rather thought themselves out of all danger, and made a mock at the words of the Prophets, who threatened and foretold their ruin. This was the cause why Micah also complained,¹ that none bewailed the calamity of Israel.

Some thinke it was his ordinarie apparell, in regard that the Prophets vsed to weare a mantle, as testifieth Zachariah 13.4. But this is too weake a coniecture; neither hath it any shew of reason. It is more likelie that he was clothed with sackcloth, to expresse his sorrow. For those of Iudeah were become so senselesse, that they cared not a whit; neither thought they that this miserie should euer be able to come neere them: no nor then when their poore brethren were miserablie afflicted ⟨p. 202⟩and scattered before their eyes: nay, they rather thought themselues out of all danger, and made a mocke at the words of the Prophets, who threatned and foretold their ruine. This was the cause why Micha also complained,¹ that none bewailed the calamitie of Israel.

1. 1Mich. 1.11.