Psalm 69:10-11

Psalm 69:10-11

Sackcloth and ashes

Sackcloth and ashes were used in Old Testament times as a symbol of debasement, mourning, and/or repentance. Someone wanting to show his repentant heart would often wear sackcloth, sit in ashes, and put more ashes on top of his head. Sackcloth was a coarse material usually made of black goat’s hair; it was literally used for making sacks. The ashes signified desolation and ruin. When someone died, the act of putting on sackcloth showed heartfelt sorrow for the loss of that person, and it became a symbol of mourning. We see an example of this when David mourned the death of Abner, the commander of Saul’s army (2 Samuel 3:31). Jacob also demonstrated his grief by wearing sackcloth when he thought his son Joseph had been killed (Genesis 37:34). These instances of mourning for the dead mention sackcloth but not ashes.

Thus, sackcloth is as outward expression of inner pain or grief. Those who wore this coarse, uncomfortable material either did so in the form of a loincloth or literally like a sack with holes for the head and arms. I can think of no occasion when Yeshua was publicly dressed in this way, unless it was common practice to wrap sackcloth around crucifixion victims to protect their dignity. What is certain is that our Saviour wept and fasted, that He endured scorn and that people made sport of Him. This crucifixion business was just a game to them. It is hard to imagine how humiliating this might be for any man, let alone the Son of Almighty God. On the inside He mourned and grieved over the sins of mankind, and He suffered isolation from His Father. From the outside He must endure the taunts and mockery of the crowds. He did this for you and me!