Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Matthew 3:4-6
In his dress and in his food, as well as in his habitat and in his message, John associated himself with the poor and the prophets, particularly Elijah (cf. 2 Kings 1:8; Zechariah 13:4; Malachi 4:5)."In view of the considerable Jewish interest in the eschatological role of Elijah (see on Matthew 11:14 and Matthew 17:10-11) it is likely that John’s clothing was deliberately adopted to promote this image." [Note: France, The Gospel . . ., p. 106.] Likewise, John may have selected his venue for... read more
Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Matthew 3:3
"This is the one OT citation of Matthew’s own eleven direct OT quotations that is not introduced by a fulfillment formula . . . Instead he introduces it with a Pesher formula (e.g., Acts 2:16 . . .) that can only be understood as identifying the Baptist in an eschatological, prophecy-and-fulfillment framework with the one of whom Isaiah (Isaiah 40:3) spoke." [Note: Carson, "Matthew," p. 101.] In Isaiah 40:3 the voice exhorts the people to prepare for God’s coming as He brings Israel back from... read more