And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the wilderness until he appeared publicly to Israel — the summary of John's childhood is the briefest possible narrative of thirty years: grew, became strong in spirit, lived in the wilderness, waited for the appointed time of public appearance. The wilderness preparation echoes Elijah's wilderness experience and Moses's desert preparation. Until he appeared publicly to Israel: the waiting and the preparation are real — the forerunner does not rush the appointed time.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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