The Uniform of the Old Testament Prophet

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.