of a prophet, the hair mantle identical to that of Elijah which was inherited by Elisha; see 1 Kings 19:19, 2 Kings 2:13–14, cf. Zech 13:4. The import of John’s message was prophetic; he called people to repentance, warned of impending judgment, and spoke of preparing the way before the Lord. Indeed, he amply fulfilled the prediction of his father Zechariah (Luke 1:76–79, RSV): And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give
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