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The Uniform of the Old Testament Prophet
- Toronto Journal of Theology
- University of Toronto Press
- Volume 38, Issue 1, March 2022
- pp. 25-36
- Article
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Abstract:
This study of the dress of Elijah the prophet confirms that clothing when specified in Old Testament narrative adds to characterization and serves as a prop for the action. It cannot be proved that every prophet or even many prophets dressed after the fashion of Elijah, but that post-Elijah more than one wore “a hairy mantle” is demonstrated by what is viewed in Zech 13:4 as classic prophetic garb, and several texts in the New Testament also allude to the practice. This mode of dress is best explained by a link to the wilderness and appears to express support for the religious orthodoxy of the faith proclaimed by Moses.