The Forerunner: A Voice in the Wilderness
Isaiah and Malachi foretold a messenger preparing the Lord's way — John the Baptist.
Isaiah heard the voice crying in the wilderness; Malachi spoke of the messenger sent before the Lord's face. Both prophecies were fulfilled in John the Baptist, who prepared Israel for Christ.
The Prophecy
"The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God."
"Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple..."
The Fulfillment
"In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias..."
"And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways."
A voice in the wilderness
John appeared exactly as Isaiah described — a lone voice in the Judaean wilderness, calling Israel to repentance and pointing to Christ as the Lamb of God.
Messenger before the Lord
Zacharias' Spirit-filled song over the infant John recognized him as the promised forerunner sent to prepare the way of the Messiah.
People in This Prophecy
Verse Commentary
Read verse-by-verse commentary on the key passages of this prophecy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was John the Baptist a fulfillment of prophecy?
Yes — Jesus Himself identified John as the messenger Malachi foretold (Matthew 11:10).
What does 'prepare the way of the Lord' mean?
It was a call to national repentance — leveling the moral 'highway' so Israel would be ready to receive her Messiah.
Why is John called the greatest of the prophets?
Jesus said so in Matthew 11:11 because John alone had the privilege of pointing to the Messiah in person, saying, 'Behold the Lamb of God.'
Related Bible Prophecies
The Messiah Born of a Virgin
Isaiah 7:14 foretold a virgin would bear Immanuel — fulfilled in Mary.
The Messiah Born in Bethlehem
Micah 5:2 named the village seven centuries in advance.
Great Light in Galilee
Isaiah foretold that despised Galilee would see a great light — fulfilled in Christ.
A Prophet Like Moses
Moses foretold a prophet like himself whom Israel must hear — fulfilled in Christ.
Related Reading
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Isaiah 9:6 Commentary
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The Forerunner