ISB ~ Mark 1 v6

John was clothed:Garments of animal skin were the distinctive attire of OT prophets (Zech 13:4).

• John’s appearance recalls that of Elijah (2 Kings 1:8), and his presence at the Jordan recalls the site where Elijah departed into heaven (2 Kings 2:6-11). See note on Mk 9:11.

ate locusts:One of a few clean (kosher) insects that God permitted the Israelites to eat under the Old Covenant (Lev 11:22). This detail portrays John as faithful to the Torah and highlights his renunciation of worldly comforts. His disciplined life-style also included fasting (2:18).