THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
He went and concealed himself, and many days passed. This serves to teach patience. To ensure that you do not assume the delay caused the decay, a new belt is taken and placed in a stone, a place where insects cannot reach. He hid them, meaning he secured them safely as if in stone. After leaving them, he instilled fear and issued threats, yet nothing emerged and they decayed. This illustrates that decay is the result of God's displeasure. They did not perish simultaneously with the removal from the loins, as God's rejection does not occur alongside immediate destruction; He can choose to leave us for an extended period before administering punishment. When we are found unworthy of Him, it is not a swift punishment; He allows time to pass before adjudicating consequences.
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And you shall gather for yourself. He did not take from others for personal use, as the prophet had no need for it; he acquired it not for adornment but to own it. Just as the prophet did not gain glory from wearing or removing the girdle, nor required it for himself, so it is with God. Observe how He reveals understanding gradually, ensuring you witness his willingness to obey. He commanded, "Strain and gird him," without specifying the purpose, yet he complied. Again, He instructed, "Go to the Euphrates," without explaining why, yet he was completely convinced and followed through. We, too, must act likewise. Though he was not called shameful or ridiculous, he obeyed in all matters. For this reason, God gives him directives step by step, enabling him to learn obedience.