And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High, For you will go before the face of the Lord to make ready his ways,
      (1.) To prepare people for the salvation, by preaching repentance and reformation as great gospel duties: Thou shalt go before the face of the Lord, and but a little before him, to prepare his ways, to call people to make room for him, and get ready for his entertainment. Let every thing that may obstruct his progress, or embarrass it, or hinder people from coming to him, be taken away: see Isaiah 40:3; Isaiah 40:4. Let valleys be filled, and hills be brought low.