Processed animal hides suitable as rough clothing (Elijah’s girdle, 2Kgs 1:8; John the Baptist’s girdle, Matt 3:4; Mark 1:6) or as fine accoutrements (the shoes of (Ezek 16:10) were of the material). Leather was also employed in covering the tabernacle (Exod 25:5). Although the variety of animal hides usable was large, preparation involved scraping the hair and flesh from the material, then treating it for durability, flexibility, and even watertightness.
2Kgs 1:8
8They answered him, “A hairy man, with a leather belt around his waist.” He said, “It is Elijah the Tishbite.”
Matt 3:4
4Now John wore clothing of camel's hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.
Mark 1:6
6Now John was clothed with camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.
Ezek 16:10
10I clothed you with embroidered cloth and with sandals of fine leather; I bound you in fine linen and covered you with rich fabric.
Exod 25:5
5tanned rams' skins, fine leather, acacia wood,
