Isa 20:2 | JFB | STEP | 2. by-- literally, "by the hand of" (compare ). sackcloth-- the loose outer garment of coarse dark hair-cloth worn by mourners ( ) and by prophets, fastened at the waist by a girdle ( ; ; ). naked-- rather, "uncovered"; he merely put off the outer sackcloth, retaining still the tunic or inner vest ( ; ; ); an emblem to show that Egypt should be stripped of its possessions; the very dress of Isaiah was a silent exhortation to repentance.

‏ Isaiah 20:2

2. by--literally, "by the hand of" (compare Eze 3:14).

sackcloth--the loose outer garment of coarse dark hair-cloth worn by mourners (2Sa 3:31) and by prophets, fastened at the waist by a girdle (Mt 3:4; 2Ki 1:8; Zec 13:4).

naked--rather, "uncovered"; he merely put off the outer sackcloth, retaining still the tunic or inner vest (1Sa 19:24; Am 2:16; Joh 21:7); an emblem to show that Egypt should be stripped of its possessions; the very dress of Isaiah was a silent exhortation to repentance.