Isaiah 20:2

Spake the Lord by Isaiah, &c.— Or, To Isaiah, &c. By sackcloth is meant the hairy garment usually worn by prophets. By naked is meant, no more than that the prophet went without his upper garment: It was customary for captives to go about in this manner. See 1 Samuel 19:24. 2 Samuel 6:14.Matthew 3:4. This action was agreeable to the mode of instruction made use of in those times; and, as it was intended to excite the attention of the Israelites, was not only consistent with the custom of the times, but likewise very well adapted to promote that intention. See Divine Leg. vol. 3: and Vitringa.