They answered him, “He was a hairy man, and wearing a leather belt around his waist.” He said, “It’s Elijah the Tishbite.”
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 8. Man. Hebrew ish bahal sehar, “a man lord of hair,” or all covered with it, having a long beard, like the ancient sages, (Saint Jerome in Ezec. xxxv.) and clothed with a skin, (Bochart) as the first inhabitants of the earth, the heroes, prophets and Saint John the Baptist, are described. Hebrews 11:37. Matthew 3:4. So Statius (ii. and iv.) says:
Tiresiæ vultus, voces et vellera nota
Induitur.
The monks imitated this poverty and simplicity of clothing; and it is still common among Arabs, who wear a sheep’s skin, with the shorn side inwards in hot weather. Calmet.—Elias. He was known by his long hair and distinct garment, from ordinary men. Worthington.—Hence none ought to blame priests and monks, for wearing clothing which may designate their profession. Bible.