3:4 Yochanan's appearance
―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‖.
―And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat
locusts and wild honey‖. (Mark 1:6)
The Essenes were known to wear white garments. It is very possible that Yochanan dressed the same and
over and above the white garments he had priestly gear on, as explained below. His appearance is a direct
association with Elijah (2 Kings 1:8).
Yochanan‟s clothing and food – a sign of priestly lineageIn ancient Israel, men wore four-cornered outer tunics, with fringes/tassels called ―tzitziyot‖ or ―tzitzit‖ in
Hebrew, tied to the four corners as instructed by YHWH (Num 15:37-41). This outer garment became known
as a ―tallit‖, and evolved into the more formal prayer shawl.
YHWH designed the ―tallit‖, and he commanded all Jews of every generation to wear it. The border of blue is
a reminder that YHWH is in heaven. The first colour in the Tabernacle was blue, and the first line in the
Lord's Prayer is 'Our Father, who art in heaven‘. The Jews and the Christians are never to forget that YHWH
is above us, watching our comings and goings, and caring about every aspect of our lives.
The fringes are also called tassels, means ―tzitzit‖ in Hebrew, which is specifically mentioned in Num 24 and
is a very important part of the ―tallit‖. The wearing of ―tzitzit‖ is considered to be equal to all the other
commandments together. The threads are called cords; and as Alan Unterman says, ―bind man to God‖.
Using the practice of gematria, in which each letter of the Hebrew alphabet corresponds with a number, we
discover that the ―tzitzit‖ upon a ―tallit‖ represent the name of YHWH. The 'tallit' was every Jewish man's
tabernacle.
But, why tassels/fringes? These ―tzitzit‖ were to remind each Jewish man of his responsibility to fulfill
YHWH's commandments. In fact, these ―tzitzit‖ are tied into 613 laws knots, to constantly remind them of the
613 laws of Moses. Because the ―tzitzit‖ were hanging on the four corners of the ―tallit‖, in full view of
everyone including the person wearing it, they would be a constant reminder to walk according to YHWH's
laws. The Hebrew word we translate as law is ―halacha‖, and it literally means, ―walk‖. You see, following
YHWH's law is a daily walk; and to stay on his path of righteousness, we all need constant reminding. This
actually explains the continuation of the verse, which states: ―that ye may look upon it, and remember all the
commandments of the LORD‖. (Deut 15:39).
Jews do not view the commandments as a mechanical ritualistic formula that ensures the ' world to come‘,
but rather as an exposition of YHWH's divine will. Just as with any loved one that clearly expresses his or her
desire, they attempt to fulfil that will completely, and they view the fulfillment of YHWH's will as their way of
showing their love for him. Rather than the law hindering spiritual closeness, it actually prepares the
groundwork for it. Wrapping themselves in the prayer shawl is actually the act of wrapping themselves in the
will of YHWH, and it becomes their own personal ―holy of holies‖. Thus, wearing these ―tzitzit‖ is comparable
to the Christian wearing a large Bible on a rope around their necks. How would a Christian act in public and
speak to others and where would they go with a big Bible tied around their neck? YHWH intended them to be
a constant reminder of his word when he instructed the Israelites to wear these ―tzitzit‖.
The thread of the ―tallit‖ through the Old Testament
In 2 Kings 1:7-8 we read of the messengers of king Ahaziah that said that Elijah was ―an hairy man‖ and had
a ―leather girdle‖—this is speaking of priestly gear. Elijah had a priestly leather belt and a ―tallit‖ made out of
camel‘s hair: ―And he said unto them, What manner of man was he which came up to meet you, and told you
these words? And they answered him, He was an hairy man (tallit), and girt with a girdle of leather about his
loins. And he said, It is Elijah the Tishbite‖. In 1 Kings 19:12-13 we read where Elijah put his face in a
'mantle‘, his ―tallit‖ when YHWH spoke to him: ―And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the
fire: and after the fire a still small voice. And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his
mantle (tallit), and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto
him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?‖
This was when Elisha was called to be anointed by Elijah as a prophet, because YHWH called Elijah home!
―And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of