There is no new thing under the sun.

Matt 3:1-17
1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

Do we have a type of  "John the Baptist" with us today?

The name "John" means "YAHOVAH is a gracious giver".

The title "Baptist" is defined as:
910 Baptistes (bap-tis-tace');
from 907; a baptizer, as an epithet of Christ's forerunner:
KJV-- Baptist.
907 baptizo (bap-tid'-zo);
from a derivative of 911; to immerse, submerge; to make overwhelmed (i.e. fully wet); used only (in the N. T.) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordinance of Christian baptism:
KJV-- Baptist, baptize, wash.
911 bapto (bap'-to);
a primary verb; to overwhelm, i.e. cover wholly with a fluid; in the N. T. only in a qualified or specially, sense, i.e. (literally) to moisten (a part of one's person), or (by implication) to stain (as with dye):
KJV-- dip.
(Strong's)

910 Baptistes-
1) a baptizer
2) one who administers the rite of baptism
3) the surname of John, the forerunner of Christ
907 baptizo-
1) to dip repeatedly, to immerse, to submerge (used of vessels sunk)
2) to cleanse by dipping or submerging, to wash, to make clean with water, to wash oneself, to bathe
3) to overwhelm Not to be confused with 0911, bapto. The clearest example that shows the meaning of baptizo is a text from the Greek poet and physician Nicander, who lived about 200 B. C. It is a recipe for making pickles and is helpful because it uses both words. Nicander says that in order to make a pickle, the vegetable should first be `dipped' (bapto) into boiling water and then `baptized' (baptizo) in the vinegar solution. Both verbs concern the immersing of vegetables in a solution. But the first is temporary. The second, the act of baptizing the vegetable, produces a permanent change.
When used in the New Testament, this word more often refers to our
union and identification with Christ than to our water baptism. For example, Mark 16:16. `He that believes and is baptized shall be saved'. Christ is saying that mere intellectual assent is not enough.
There must be a union with him, a real change, like the vegetable to the pickle! --Bible Study Magazine, James Montgomery Boice (May, 1989).
911 bapto-
1) to dip, to dip in, to immerse
2) to dip into dye, to dye, to color
Not to be confused with 0907, baptizo. The clearest example that shows the meaning of baptizo is a text from the Greek poet and physician Nicander, who lived about 200 B. C. It is a recipe for making pickles and is helpful because it uses both words. Nicander says that in order to make a pickle, the vegetable should first be `dipped' (bapto) into boiling water and then `baptized' (baptizo) in the vinegar solution.
Both verbs concern the immersing of vegetables in a solution. But the first is temporary. The second, the act of baptizing the vegetable, produces a permanent change.
(Thayer's)

"preaching in the wilderness of Judaea"

Now, many men today claim to be preachers; they claim to preach the Bible.
But, do they teach YAHOVAH'S Word of Truth?

What does this word, translated into the English as "preaching", really mean?
2784 kerusso (kay-roos'-so);
of uncertain affinity; to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel):
KJV-- preacher (-er), proclaim, publish.

2784 kerusso-
1) to be a herald, to officiate as a herald
a) to proclaim after the manner of a herald
b) always with the suggestion of formality, gravity and an authority which must be listened to and obeyed
2) to publish, to proclaim openly: something which has been done
3) used of the public proclamation of the gospel and matters pertaining to it, made by John the Baptist, by Jesus, by the apostles and other Christian teachers

This speaks of "heralding" YAHOVAH'S divine Truth and heralding the coming of YAHSHUA.
This was done openly, for the benefit of all who would or could 'hear' and take heed to the instructions heralded.

In John's time, only those who were in the vicinity of these acts, could learn from that which was heralded.
Yet, let's take a deeper look as to that which was written.

"preaching in the wilderness of Judaea"

For today, the word "Judaea" implies 'the whole world', rather than just the specific areas where John spoke.

2449 Ioudaia (ee-oo-dah'-yah);
feminine of 2453 (with 1093 implied); the Judaean land (i.e. Judaea), a region of Palestine:
KJV-- Judaea.
1093 ge (ghay);
contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene
globe (including the occupants in each application):
KJV-- country, earth (-ly), ground, land, world.

And, so, we can see that through the acts of John the Baptist, the whole world can now have access to that which was heralded.
The world can read of it in YHVH'S Word. The world can learn of these things through all who teach HIS Truth.

Let's continue looking at this.
Have we heard or read of this "wilderness" in the prophecies given for this last generation?

Rev 12:1-17
1 And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:

Who is this "woman clothed with the sun"?
You shall find in the Strong's Concordance that this word "woman" refers to a "wife".
This "wife" is surrounded, bathed, clothed in the Sun. " The "woman" is YAHOVAH'S Wife, or better said, the Church.
Upon the head of the "woman" (church, assemblage) is a crown.
The crown refers to government, as does the twelve stars which are representative of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Under "her" feet is the "moon".

Gen 3:15
15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt  bruise his heel. (KJV)

Rom 16:20
20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. (KJV)

Rev 12:
2 And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.

The True Church yearned to be brought forth, as a woman in labor.

Rev 12:
3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.

This is Satan's church and his governmental beast.

Rev 12:
4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.
5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.

YAHSHUA was brought forth in the flesh, but returned to Heaven after HIS crucifixion.

Yet, YAHSHUA'S Teachings carried forth into all the world. And, the world was given The Savior.

Rev 12:
6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.

YAHOVAH'S Church was kept safe by taking flight into the wilderness (in the world).
Can FATHER'S Church hide in the midst of and in plain site of all the people of the world?
Yes, because the world does not have 'eyes to see' who is of FATHER'S True Assemblage.
And, because of all the confusion, various denominational rhetoric and abundance of the traditions of man, most of the world simply closes their eyes, ears, and hearts to all religion, and, therefore, closing themselves off from YAHOVAH'S True Church and HIS Assembly receives no more notice than does those who teach without knowledge.

Please take note of this amount of time, "a thousand two hundred and threescore days". This shall be brought up again later.
For now, please acknowledge that during this time period, hidden in plain sight, YAHOVAH'S Church was both prepared and fed.

Rev 12:
7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of
our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

"he knoweth that he hath but a short time"
Satan's time has been shortened.
But, from what amount of time has it been shortened?
Originally, Satan was to have 7 years. This 7 years was in two sections of 3 1/2 years. Has FATHER'S Word told us to what length this time was shortened?

Matt 24:3-22
3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:
18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.
19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:
21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. (KJV)

Dan 9:24-27
24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.
25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.
26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.
27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. (KJV)

But, to what amount of time has Satan's time been shortened?

Rev 12:
13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.
14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.

Now, please note, in Revelations 12: 8-9, that Satan's religious government (dragon) was no longer found in Heaven.
"he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him."
In Revelations 12:13, When the "dragon" realized that he was cast into the earth, Satan's dragon persecuted YAHOVAH'S True Church/assemblage.

"And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent."

"two wings of a great eagle"

"eagle"
105 aetos (ah-et-os');
from the same as 109; an eagle (from its wind-like flight):
KJV-- eagle.
109 aer (ah-ayr');
from aemi (to breathe unconsciously, i.e. respire; by analogy, to blow); "air" (as naturally
circumambient):
KJV-- air. Compare 5594.
***. atha. See 3134.


Eagles are included among the unclean birds mentioned in the Bible <Lev. 11:13>, (NKJV), but they were admired as majestic birds. The golden eagle, which is really dark brown with sprinkles of gold, has a 26-meter (8-feet) wingspread. It nests in high places that are inaccessible <Jer. 49:16>. There, in a nest which the eagle makes larger each year, the eagle hatches two eggs. Usually only one eaglet survives
to adulthood.
An eagle has keen eyesight. He can spot his prey while soaring hundreds of feet in the air. Like a lightning bolt, he drops to seize it, killing it quickly with his powerful claws. Then he swoops back to his nest to rip the meat apart and share it with his young.
A mother eagle carries her eaglet on her back until it masters the art of flying. Moses used this familiar picture from nature to describe God's care for His people. God stirred up Jacob (the nation of Israel), and carried His people on His wings <Deut. 32:11-12> as He delivered them from slavery in Egypt.
Solomon marveled at "the way of an eagle in the air" <Prov. 30:19>. An eagle can stay aloft for hours, rarely moving his wings and riding wind currents. But many passages in the Bible also speak of the swiftness of the eagle's flight <Deut. 28:49>.
The belief that an eagle renews its strength and youthful appearance after shedding its feathers gave rise to <Psalm 103:5> and <Isaiah 40:31>. Eagles do have a long lifespan, living 20 to 30 years in the wild, and longer in captivity.
In the Old Testament, prophets spoke of the eagle as a symbol of God's judgment <Jer. 48:40; Ezek.
17:3,7>. In <Revelation 12:14>, "two wings of a great eagle" portray God's intervention to deliver His people from persecution.
(from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary) (Copyright (C) 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)

What or who are these "two wings"?
Could these "two wings" refer to YAHOVAH'S Two Witnesses?

What occurs during the "time, and times, and half a time"?
YAHOVAH'S True Church/Assemblage is nourished with HIS Word.
But, Satan is not yet visible in the earth in his disguise as 'Jesus', for the Church/Assemblage is kept from the presence of the spurious 'Jesus' during this period of time.

How long is this "time, and times, and half a time" in which the Church is nourished and protected in the wilderness?
"And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days."

Rev 11:3-4
3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.
4 These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. (KJV)

The time given for the Two Witnesses prophesying, as they are clothed in sackcloth, is the same length of time as the Woman is nourished and protected in the wilderness.

Rev 12:
15 And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.

FATHER'S Word uses the analogy of 'water' to represent people.
The term 'flood' can represent a destructive torrent or deluge.
"that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood" refers to being overwhelmed or drowned spiritually.

Now, how does Satan and his government cause the people of the world to become a destructive, overwhelming flood?

Rev 9:1-12
1 And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.
2 And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.
3 And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.
4 And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.
5 And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man.
6 And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.
7 And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men.
8 And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as the teeth of lions.
9 And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle.
10 And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months.
11 And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.
12 One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter. (KJV)


Rev 12:
16 And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.


1 Cor 10:1-13
1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat;
4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.
7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.
9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.
10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.
11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (KJV)

The flood itself would be upon all the earth, and therefore it's affects would be common to all men.
In other words, all in the earth would be feeling the repercussions of this flood.
The resulting condition of the whole world would prevent this flood from being directed, full force and only, toward YAHOVAH'S servants.

17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. (KJV)

After all these things, then shall Satan come as the spurious 'Jesus', and make war directly with the remnant of the Woman's seed, who are now in the flesh, who also "keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.".

Matt 3:
1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
4 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.

Again, "there is no new thing under the sun".

Eccl 1:9-10
9 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
10 Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us. (KJV)

Therefore, we, of this last generation, do not have to guess at that which shall occur, for we have been shown by ensamples (examples)  that which has been and shall be again.

John was the forerunner announcing the coming of YAHSHUA (HIS ministry and HIS gathering of HIS Government).

Was his position/part, as this forerunner, new?
No, his role can be likened unto that of Elijah's.

Let's take a closer look at these two.

II Ki 1:8
8 And they answered him, He was an hairy man, and girt with a girdle of leather about his loins. And he said, It is Elijah the Tishbite. (KJV)

"In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
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."

Mark 1:6
6 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; (KJV)

"camel's"
2574 kamelos (kam'-ay-los);
of Hebrew origin [1581]; a "camel":
KJV-- camel.
1581 ekkopto (ek-kop'-to);
from 1537 and 2875; to exscind; figuratively, to frustrate:
KJV-- cut down (off, out), hew down, hinder.
1537 ek (ek) or ex (ex);
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause; literal or figurative; direct or remote):
KJV-- after, among, X are, at, betwixt (-yond), by (the means of), exceedingly, (+abundantly above), for (-th), from (among, forth, up), + grudgingly, + heartily, X heavenly, X hereby, + very highly, in, ...ly, (because, by reason) of, off (from), on, out among (from, of), over, since, X thenceforth, through, X unto, X vehemently, with (-out). Often used in composition, with the same general import; often of completion.
2875 kopto (kop'-to);
a primary verb; to "chop"; specially, to beat the breast in grief:
KJV-- cut down, lament, mourn, (be-) wail. Compare the base of 5114

The camel's hair coat, that these each wore, is a sign of grief, or mourning.

Do we have one today who wears a cloak of mourning and grief?
Well, yes, but, we must look at this in the spiritual sense.

Rev 11:3-4
3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.
4 These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. (KJV)

"sackcloth"
4526 sakkos (sak'-kos);
of Hebrew origin [8242]; "sack"- cloth, i.e. mohair (the material or garments made of it, worn as a sign of grief):
KJV-- sackcloth.
(Hebrew# 8242)
8242 saq (sak);
from 8264; properly, a mesh (as allowing a liquid to run through), i.e. coarse loose cloth or sacking (used in
mourning and for bagging); hence, a bag (for grain, etc.):
KJV-- sack (-cloth, -clothes).

4526 sakkos-
a sack:
a) a receptacle for holding or carrying various things, as money, food, etc.
b) a course cloth, a dark course stuff made especially from the hair of animals
c) a garment of the like material, and clinging to the person like a sack, which was usually to be worn (or drawn
over the tunic instead of the cloak or mantle) by mourners, penitents, suppliants and also by those who like the
Hebrew prophets, lead an austere life
(Hebrew#)
8242 saq-
mesh, sackcloth, sack, sacking
a) a sack (for grain)
b) sackcloth
1) worn in mourning or humiliation
2) same material spread out to lie on

This "sackcloth" is basically the same as the "raiment of camel's hair". Both are the spiritual clothing worn by these prophets before they obtain and don their righteous robes.
As FATHER'S HOLY SPIRIT completely engulfs one of HIS servants, then the servant is said to be wearing the righteous robes.
This is the 'putting on of CHRIST', and is the second baptism.

Gal 3:27
27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (KJV)

Acts 1:5
5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. (KJV)

Today, there are two among us, leading us, who are the two olive trees, the two candlesticks.
We refer to them as the Two Witnesses, yet their roles/positions as the Two Witnesses have yet to be disclosed to the world.
Have they as yet donned their righteous robes? Or, are they still, at present, wearing the sackcloth?
As long as the servant is still able to make mistakes as they speak with their own voice, the servant is still wearing the sackcloth.

Of these Two, there is one whose ministry is likened unto John the Baptist and/or Elijah.
This one, of the Two Witnesses, is heralding the coming of YAHSHUA. He is calling, all who will, to make their paths straight.
How does this one do this? He does this by teaching YAHOVAH'S Truth; for only the Truth from YAHOVAH can set a straight path for us.
Yet, the choice to walk the straight path is still up to the individual.

Is there anything more that we can glean from John the Baptist that will help us to discern YAHOVAH'S
Two Witnesses and the roles they have in this last generation of the flesh?

This was written of concerning John the Baptist:
Luke 1:17
17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. (KJV)

Have we one with us today that fits this bill?

Matt 3:5-12
5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,

Please note, John did not go to the people, but the people were drawn to him.
But, who were these who "went out to him"?

"Jerusalem"
2414 Hierosoluma (hee-er-os-ol'-oo-mah);
of Hebrew origin [3389]; Hierosolyma (i.e. Jerushalaim), the capitol of Palestine:
KJV-- Jerusalem. Compare 2419.
3389 metroloas (may-trol-o'-as) or metraloas (may-tral-o'-as);
from 3384 and the base of 257; a mother-thresher, i.e. matricide:
KJV-- murderer of mothers.
3384 meter (may'-tare);
apparently a primary word; a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immed. or remote):
KJV-- mother.
257 halon (hal'-ohn);
probably from the base of 1507; a threshing-floor (as rolled hard), i.e. (figuratively) the grain (and chaff, as just threshed):
KJV-- floor.
1507 heilisso (hi-lis'-so);
a prolonged form of a primary but defective verb heilo (of the same meaning); to coil or wrap:
KJV-- roll together. See also 1667.
(Strong's)

2414 Hierosoluma-
Jerusalem = "set ye double peace"
1) denotes either the city itself or the inhabitants
2) "the Jerusalem that now is", with its present religious institutions, that is, the Mosaic system, so designated from its primary external location
3) "Jerusalem that is above", that is existing in heaven, according to the pattern of which the earthly Jerusalem was supposed to be built; metaphorically, "the City of God founded by Christ", now wearing the form of the church, but after Christ's return to put on the form of the perfected Messianic kingdom
4) "the heavenly Jerusalem", that is the heavenly abode of God, Christ, the angels, saints of the Old and New Testament periods and those Christians that are alive at Christ's return
5) "the New Jerusalem", a splendid visible city to be lowered from heaven after the renovation of the world, the future abode of the blessed
3389 metraloas-
matricide, the murderer of a mother
3384 meter-
1) a mother
2) metaphorically, the source of something, the motherland
257 halon-
a ground plot or threshing floor, that is, a place in the field made hard after the harvest by a roller, where grain was threshed out
1507 heilisso-
to roll up or to roll together
(Thayer's)

"all"
3956 pas (pas);
including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole:
KJV-- all (manner of, means), alway (-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no (-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever.

3956 pas-
1) individually:
each, every, any, all, the whole, everyone, all things, everything
2) collectively:
some of all types

"Judaea"
2449 Ioudaia (ee-oo-dah'-yah);
feminine of 2453 (with 1093 implied); the Judaean land (i.e. Judaea), a region of Palestine:
KJV-- Judaea.
2453 Ioudaios (ee-oo-dah'-yos);
from 2448 (in the sense of 2455 as a country); Judaean, i.e. belonging to Jehudah:
KJV-- Jew (-ess), of Judaea.
1093 ge (ghay);
contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application):
KJV-- country, earth (-ly), ground, land, world.
2448 Iouda (ee-oo-dah');
of Hebrew origin [3063 or perhaps 3194]; Judah (i.e. Jehudah or Juttah), a part of (or place in) Palestine:
KJV-- Judah.
2455 Ioudas (ee-oo-das');
of Hebrew origin [3063]; Judas (i.e. Jehudah), the name of ten Israelites; also of the posterity of one of them and its region:
KJV-- Juda (-h, -s); Jude.
3063 loipon (loy-pon');
neuter singular of the same as 3062; something remaining (adverbially):
KJV-- besides, finally, furthermore, (from) henceforth, moreover, now, + it remaineth, then.
3062 loipoy (loy-poy');
masculine plural of a derivative of 3007; remaining ones:
KJV-- other, which remain, remnant, residue, rest.
3007 leipo (li'-po);
a primary verb; to leave, i.e. (intransitively or passively) to fail or be absent:
KJV-- be destitute (wanting), lack.
(Strong's)

2449 Ioudaia-
Judaea = "he shall be praised"
1) in a narrower sense, to the southern portion of Palestine lying on this side of the Jordan and the Dead Sea, to
distinguish it from Samaria, Galilee, Peraea, and Idumaea
2) in a broader sense, referring to all Palestine
2453 Ioudaios-
1) Jewish, belonging to the Jewish race
2) Jewish as respects to birth, race, religion
2455 Ioudas-
Judah or Judas = "he shall be praised"
1) the fourth son of Jacob
2) an unknown ancestor of Christ
3) a man surnamed the Galilean, who at the time of the census of Quirinus, excited the revolt in Galilee, Acts 5:37
4) a certain Jew of Damascus, Acts 9:11
5) a prophet surnamed Barsabas, of the church at Jerusalem,
Acts 15:22,27,32
6) the apostle, John 14:22, who was surnamed Lebbaeus or Thaddaeus, and, according to opinion, wrote the Epistle of Jude.
7) the half-brother of Jesus, Matt. 13:55
8) Judas Iscariot, the apostle who betrayed Jesus
3063 loipon-
remaining, the rest
a) hereafter, for the future, henceforth
b) at last, already
c) for the rest, besides, moreover
3062 loipoy-
remaining, the rest
a) the rest of any number or class under consideration
b) with a certain distinction and contrast, the rest, who are not of a specific class or number
c) the rest of the things that remain
3007 leipo-
1) to leave, to leave behind, to forsake, to be left behind
a) to lag, to be inferior
b) to be destitute of, to lack
2) to be wanting, to fail
(Thayer's)

"region round about"
4066 perichoros (per-ikh'-o-ros);
from 4012 and 5561; around the region, i.e. circumjacent (as noun, with 1093 implied vicinity):
KJV-- country (round) about, region (that lieth) round about.

4066 perichoros-
lying round about, neighboring
a) the region round about
b) the region of Jordan

"Jordan"
2446 Iordanes (ee-or-dan'-ace);
of Hebrew origin [3383]; the Jordanes (i.e. Jarden), a river of Palestine:
KJV-- Jordan.
3383 mete (may'-teh);
from 3361 and 5037; not too, i.e. (in continued negation) neither or nor; also, not even:
KJV-- neither, (n-) or, so as much.
3361 me (may);
a primary particle of qualified negation (whereas 3756 expresses an absolute denial); (adverbially) not, (conjunctionally) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer [whereas 3756 expects an affirmative one]) whether:
KJV-- any but (that), X forbear, + God forbid, + lack, lest, neither, never, no (X wise in), none, nor, [can-] not,
nothing, that not, un [-taken], without. Often used in compounds in substantially the same relations. See also 3362, 3363, 3364, 3372, 3373, 3375, 3378.
5037 te (teh);
a primary particle (enclitic) of connection or addition; both or also (properly, as correlation of 2532):
KJV-- also, and, both, even, then, whether. Often used in composition, usually as the latter part.
2532 kai (kahee);
apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:
KJV-- and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.

2446 Iordanes-
Jordan = "the descender"
the one river of Palestine, has its course of little more than 200 miles (300 kilometers), from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the head of the Dead Sea.
3383 mete-
and not, neither... nor, not so
3361 me-
no, not lest
5037 te-
1) not only... but also
2) both... and
3) as... so

Now, since "Jerusalem", and "Jordan" are originally from the Hebrew, let's look at the Hebrew definitions.

"Jerusalem"
3389 Yeruwshalaim (yer-oo-shaw-lah'-im);
rarely Yeruwshalayim (yer-oo- shaw-lah'-yim); a dual (in allusion to its two main hills [the true pointing, at least of the former reading, seems to be that of 3390]); probably from (the passive participle of) 3384 and 7999; founded peaceful; Jerushalaim or Jerushalem, the capital city of Palestine:
KJV-- Jerusalem.
3390 Yeruwshalem (Chald) (yer-oo-shaw-lame');
corresponding to 3389: -Jerusalem.
3384 yarah (yaw-raw');
or (2 Chr. 26:15) yara' (yaw-raw'); a primitive root; properly, to flow as water (i.e. to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e. to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by aiming the finger), to teach:
KJV-- (+)archer, cast, direct, inform, instruct, lay, shew, shoot, teach (-ering,-), through.
7999 shalam (shaw-lam');
a primitive root; to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate (in various applications):
KJV-- make amends, (make an) end, finish, full, give again, make good, (re-) pay (again), (make) (to) (be at) peace (-able), that is perfect, perform, (make) prosper (-ous), recompense, render, requite, make restitution, restore, reward, X surely.
(Strong's)

3389 Yeruwshalaim rarely Yeruwshalayim-
Jerusalem = "teaching of peace";
the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
3390 Yeruwshalem (Aramaic)- Jerusalem = "teaching of peace";
the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
3384 yarah or (2 Chr. 26:15) yara'-
to throw, to shoot, to cast, to pour
a) (Qal)
1) to throw, to cast
2) to cast, to lay, to set
3) to shoot arrows
4) to throw water, to rain
b) (Niphal) to be shot
c) (Hiphil)
1) to throw, to cast
2) to shoot
3) to point out, to show
4) to direct, to teach, to instruct
5) to throw water, to rain
7999 shalam-
1) to be in a covenant of peace, to be at peace
a) (Qal)
1) to be at peace
2) peaceful one (participle)
b) (Pual) one in covenant of peace (participle)
c) (Hiphil)
1) to make peace with
2) to cause to be at peace
d) (Hophal) to live in peace
2) to be complete, to be sound
a) (Qal)
1) to be complete, to be finished, to be ended
2) to be sound, to be uninjured
b) (Piel)
1) to complete, to finish
2) to make safe
3) to make whole or good, to restore, to make compensation
4) to make good, to pay
5) to requite, to recompense, to reward
c) (Pual)
1) to be performed
2) to be repaid, to be requited
d) (Hiphil)
1) to complete, to perform
2) to make an end of
(Brown-Driver-Briggs')

"Jordan"
3383 Yarden (yar-dane');
from 3381; a descender; Jarden, the principal river of Palestine:
KJV-- Jordan.
3381 yarad (yaw-rad');
a primitive root; to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a
boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); causatively, to bring down (in all the above applications); -X abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come (-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go (-ing) down (-ward), hang down, X indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down.
(Strong's)

3383 Yarden-
Jordan = "descender";
the river of Palestine running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approximately 200
miles (320 kilometers)
3381 yarad-
to go down, to descend, to decline, to march down, to sink down
a) (Qal)
1) to go or to come down
2) to sink
3) to be prostrated
4) to come down (of revelation)
b) (Hiphil)
1) to bring down
2) to send down
3) to take down
4) to lay prostrate
5) to let down
c) (Hophal)
1) to be brought down
2) to be taken down
(Brown-Driver-Briggs')

Matt 3:
6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.

The good, bad, rich, and destitute were baptized.
Those of the seed line (descendants) of the 8th day man, and those who were not, were all baptized.
Those who had been threshed in their spirits, and separated, were baptized.
Those who had taught peace and those who did not were all baptized.

These were baptized because they had made a choice to repent of their sins and desired to be made spiritually clean before Messiah came.

We must realize that many of these had read or had been taught the Word.
And, they were beginning to see the prophesies come about as they had been written and handed down.
Many of these were descendants of Israel, and the multitude who came out with them, who had come out of the bondage of Egypt which crossed over the Jordan.

Again, the people came to be baptized.
Each person, who came, made a conscience choice to be baptized.

"baptized"
907 baptizo (bap-tid'-zo);
from a derivative of 911; to immerse, submerge; to make overwhelmed (i.e. fully wet); used only (in the N. T.) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordinance of Christian baptism:
KJV-- Baptist, baptize, wash.
911 bapto (bap'-to);
a primary verb; to overwhelm, i.e. cover wholly with a fluid; in the N. T. only in a qualified or specially, sense, i.e. (literally) to moisten (a part of one's person), or (by implication) to stain (as with dye):
KJV-- dip.
(Strong's)

907 baptizo-
1) to dip repeatedly, to immerse, to submerge (used of vessels sunk)
2) to cleanse by dipping or submerging, to wash, to make clean with water, to wash oneself, to bathe
3) to overwhelm Not to be confused with 0911, bapto. The clearest example that shows the meaning of baptizo is a text from the Greek poet and physician Nicander, who lived about 200 B. C. It is a recipe for making pickles and is helpful because it uses both words. Nicander says that in order to make a pickle, the vegetable should first be `dipped' (bapto) into boiling water and then `baptized' (baptizo) in the vinegar solution. Both verbs concern the immersing of vegetables in a solution. But the first is temporary. The second, the act of baptizing the vegetable, produces a permanent change.
When used in the New Testament, this word more often refers to our
union and identification with Christ than to our water baptism. For example, Mark 16:16. `He that believes and is baptized shall be saved'. Christ is saying that mere intellectual assent is not enough. There must be a union with him, a real change, like the vegetable to the pickle! --Bible Study Magazine, James Montgomery Boice (May, 1989).
911 bapto-
1) to dip, to dip in, to immerse
2) to dip into dye, to dye, to color
Not to be confused with 0907, baptizo. The clearest example that shows the meaning of baptizo is a text from the Greek poet and physician Nicander, who lived about 200 B. C. It is a recipe for making pickles and is helpful because it uses both words. Nicander says that in order to make a pickle, the vegetable should first be `dipped' (bapto) into boiling water and then `baptized' (baptizo) in the vinegar solution. Both verbs concern the immersing of vegetables in a solution. But the first is temporary. The second, the act of baptizing the vegetable, produces a permanent change.
(Thayer's)

Did John attempt to coerce the people to be baptized?
He only taught the people the Truth.
Did he stop to take up a collection? No, the baptisms and teachings were not a sideshow that needed to be paid for.

He encouraged the people to "Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight."

Isa 40:1-31
1 Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.
2 Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD's hand double for all her sins.
3 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

"Prepare ye"
6437 panah (paw-naw');
a primitive root; to turn; by implication, to face, i.e. appear, look, etc.:
KJV-- appear, at [even-] tide, behold, cast out, come on, X corner, dawning, empty, go away, lie, look, mark, pass away, prepare, regard, (have) respect (to), (re-) turn (aside, away, back, faceself,), X right [early].
***. paneh. See 6440.

6437 panah-
to turn
a) (Qal)
1) to turn toward or from or away
2) to turn and do
3) to turn, to decline (used of day)
4) to turn toward, to approach (used of evening)
5) to turn and look, to look, to look back or at or after or for
b) (Piel) to turn away, to put out of the way, to make clear, to clear away
c) (Hiphil)
1) to turn
2) to make a turn, to show signs of turning, to turn back
d) (Hophal) to be turned back

"the way of"
1870 derek (deh'-rek);
from 1869; a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb:
KJV-- along, away, because of, + by, conversation, custom, [ea