What Does Sackcloth Mean in Isaiah 22:12?

Today, sackcloth is not mandatory clothing for a believer, but a biblical symbol of deep humility, sorrow over sin, and turning back to God. It can be found in the form of rough burlap, but the Lord primarily looks not for fabric on the body, but for sincere repentance in the heart.

In the days of the prophet Isaiah, sackcloth was a coarse fabric, often made from goat's hair. Bags and sacks were made from it, so putting on sackcloth meant voluntarily renouncing comfort and outward festivity. In this way, people expressed grief, self-abasement before God, mourning, or repentance. It was a well-understood sign in society: a person was acknowledging their need for God’s mercy.

Why the Lord Called for Sackcloth in Isaiah 22

Isaiah’s prophecy was addressed to Jerusalem in a time of great danger. The people had every reason to reflect on their spiritual condition, seek God, and turn away from sin. However, many people responded to the crisis not with prayer and repentance, but with carelessness and a desire to enjoy life as if tomorrow did not exist.

“The Lord, the Lord Almighty, called you on that day to weep and to wail, to tear out your hair and put on sackcloth.” Isa 22:12

Sackcloth here was not a magical charm to escape judgment. It was meant to be the outward expression of an inward transformation. God was calling His people to stop denying the reality of their sin. But instead, the people chose a frivolous “eat and drink.”

“But see, there is joy and revelry, slaughtering of cattle and killing of sheep, eating of meat and drinking of wine! ‘Let us eat and drink,’ you say, ‘for tomorrow we die!’” Isa 22:13

This warning remains relevant today. Danger does not always lie in open godlessness. Sometimes it shows itself in the habit of drowning out the voice of conscience with entertainment, shopping, endless news feeds, addictions, or constant busyness.

Where to Find Sackcloth Today

In a literal sense, the closest equivalent to biblical sackcloth is burlap: jute, coarse linen, or other rough fabrics. It is sold in fabric stores, garden centers, and packaging or craft supply shops. However, a Christian does not need to buy burlap and wear it for God to hear their prayer or forgive their sin.

The New Testament does not command the wearing of sackcloth. Christ did not call His disciples to display asceticism before others. On the contrary, He taught that even fasting should be directed toward our Heavenly Father, not toward earning human approval.

“But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Matt 6:17–18

Therefore, literal sackcloth can only serve as a personal symbol, provided a person does not attribute spiritual power to it or wear it for show. For most people, it is far more beneficial to forego an outward gesture—which can easily turn into mere ritualism—and focus instead on what the symbol actually calls for.

What Kind of “Sackcloth” God Accepts

Biblical repentance means far more than just being sad about the consequences of doing something wrong. It is an honest confession of sin before God, a refusal to make excuses for oneself, and a desire to redirect one's life by God’s grace. David described the sacrifice that the Lord does not despise:

“My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.” Ps 51:17

True humility does not mean hating oneself, inflicting self-harm, or trying to “pay God back” through suffering. Forgiveness cannot be purchased with fasting, tears, or coarse clothing. It is freely given through Jesus Christ. Repentance is the heart’s response to God’s grace, not the price paid for salvation.

Ellen White repeatedly emphasized that genuine repentance involves sincere sorrow for sin, confession of guilt, and turning away from the sin itself. Outward religiosity without a transformed life cannot replace a living connection with Christ. That is why the symbol of sackcloth should lead a person not to self-punishment, but straight to the Savior.

Practical Repentance in Modern Life

Today, you can “put on sackcloth” in a spiritual sense through practical steps. Set aside time for quiet prayer and ask God to reveal what needs correction in your life. It helps to call sin by its name, without shifting the blame onto circumstances or other people. If harm was done, ask for forgiveness and make restitution wherever possible.

A short fast, or stepping away for a time from entertainment, social media, or other excesses that distract from God, can be a good expression of humility. However, this should be done wisely, with regard to your health, free from spiritual pride, and without judging those who practice it differently.

Conclusion

If you truly wish to find literal sackcloth, simple burlap can serve as its substitute. But the ultimate answer to the question “where do I find it?” is this: you must begin with your heart before God. The Lord is not calling for a religious performance, but for a heartfelt return. Take one practical step today: in prayer, confess to Christ whatever is weighing on your conscience, ask for strength to leave it behind, and, if needed, be reconciled with anyone you have wronged.