Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 3:3-4

"For this is he that was spoken of through Isaiah the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make ye ready the way of the Lord, Make his paths straight. Now John himself had his raiment of camel`s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his food was locusts and wild honey." — Matthew 3:3-4 (ASV)

For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his path straight. And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.

Everything about him was impressive, and everything was suitable for the message he had to deliver. He was so dressed as to be noticed at once as a man of ascetic habit. He was not the chaplain of a prince—else he would have been clothed in soft clothing. Nor was he one who had a gentle message to deliver—else he would not have gone into the wilderness and summoned the people to leave their occupations to listen to him.

He was the rough pioneer to prepare the way for the King.

For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.

His clothing and his food were like his doctrine, rough and simple. There was no mincing of words, no making of pretty phrases with John the Baptist; his message was simply, "Repent ye: repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is coming." We want more of this John the Baptist teaching nowadays, that men may be plainly told their faults, and warned to put away those faults that they may receive Christ Jesus as their Saviour.