Matthew Poole and continuators on Matthew 3:4

4 And the same John had his rayment of Camels hair, and a leathern girdle about his loyns, and his meat was locusts and wild honey.

There are great and insignificant Disputes, about the Habit, and the Diet of Iohn the Baptist. The Evangelists doubtless designed no more, then to let us know, that Iohn Baptist's Habit was not of soft Rayment, like those who are in Princes Houses, but a plain Country Habit, suited to the Place in which he lived, and his Diet plain, such as the Country afforded. In vain therefore do some contend that Iohn wore watered Stuff, fine and splendid, as Art in our days hath improved Camels Hair; and others as vainly contend, that he went in a Camels skin raw, and undrel[illegible: 1 letter] ▪ But he was habited in a plain Sute of Camels Hair, such as ordinary Persons of that Country used, or else such a rough Garment as is mentioned, Zach. 13.4. used by the Prophets. Elijah had much such an Habit, 2 Kin. 1.8. There is like wise a Variety of Opinions about these Locusts, which Iohn did eat, the most probable is, that they were true Locusts, for Locusts might be eaten, Levit. 11.22. Nor is it to be thought that Iohn did eat nothing else, all that is intended is, to let us know that Iohn was a man not at all Curious as to his Meat or Clothes, but was Habited plainly, and fared ordinarily, as the Men of that Country fared, if there were any Difference in his Habit, it was to Proportion himself to Elijah, and the Habit of Prophets. In this the Evangelist teacheth us what the Ministers of the Gospel should be, and do. They should be Men contemning the Gawdry, and Delicacies of the World, and by their Habit and Diet, as well as other things set an Example, of Severity, and Gravity to others.

Marginal references: Mar. 1.6.