(Isa. 52:2)
The … Orientals sitting on the ground with their feet drawn under them, gradually gathering dust on their garments, and rising occasionally to shake it off, and then resuming their seats. This, however, is only a partial explanation of the allusions of the text. The “dust” referred to may be either that in which Jerusalem had been sitting, or that which she had put upon her head. In either case the idea of mourning would be represented. The mourner is exhorted to arise from the dust and take a higher position; not to sit down again in the dust. The language seems to embrace the idea of a throne, a high seat.
(James M. Freeman, Manners and Customs of the Bible [Plainfield, New Jersey: Logos International, 1972], 273–74.)