The reason why the girdle was chosen as the symbol. Similarly, Israel was the people chosen and set apart that in and by them the Holy Spirit might work for the salvation of mankind.
Matthew Henry
Concise Bible Commentary
It was usual with the prophets to teach by signs. And we have the explanation, ver.
Matthew Henry
Concise Bible Commentary
The people of Israel had been to God as this girdle. He caused them to cleave to him by the law he gave them, the prophets he sent among them, and the favours he showed them. They had by their idolatries and sins buried themselves in foreign earth, mingled among the nations, and were so corrupted that they were good for nothing. If we are proud of learning, power, and outward privileges, it is just with God to wither them. The minds of men should be awakened to a sense of their guilt and danger; yet nothing will be effectual without the influences of the Spirit.
SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7
11. House of Israel. The symbolism of the prophecy is here explained. The loincloth represented both the house of Israel and the house of Judah.
For a people. God reminds His people of what would have been their lot had they proved loyal to Him and had they been obedient to His will (see Deut. 7:6; 26:18, 19; 28:1, 13; see pp. 25-38).