2 Samuel 3:31-39

David's lamentation for Abner

31. gird you with sackcloth The practice of wearing garments of the coarse dark hair-cloth used for making sacks as a sign of mourning was very ancient (Genesis 37:34). In cases of extreme grief or humiliation they were worn next the skin, but ordinarily outside the usual tunic.

mourn before Abner Preceding the bier in the funeral procession.