But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing [was] sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.
Ver. 13. But as for me, when they were sick] i.e. Any way afflicted, when they ailed anything.
My clothing was sachcloth] I put myself in mourners' habit; Incedebam atratus, to testify my good affection toward them.
I humbled my soul with fasting] In die designate, in a solemn day set apart for the purpose; as the נ with a patach showeth (Kimehi). Ieiunium est humilitas mentis, miserationis expensa, charitatis illecebra, allevamentum infirmitatis, alimentum salutis, saith Ambrose, Fasting is the affliction of the soul, the cost of compassion, &c.
And my prayer returned into mine own bosom] i.e. Though they had no benefit by it, yet myself had; for no faithful prayer is ineffectual; like Jonathan's bow, it never returned empty, 2 Samuel 1:22. I received the fruit of my prayers for them upon my bosom.