The priests and Levites from Jerusalem question John: “Who are you?” He confesses plainly, “I am not Mshikha” (v. 20). He identifies himself as “the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of Mar-Yah, as said the prophet Isaiah” (v. 23).
This passages echoes Deuteronomy 18:15–19, where Mar-Yah promised a Prophet like Mosheh. The leaders of Jerusalem sought to discern whether John was that Prophet. John denies this for himself, pointing instead to the One “standing among you, whom you know not” (v. 26).
The significance is twofold. 1) True Authority is recognised by humility. John does not usurp the title of Mshikha, but bears witness to Him. This humility reflects the principle of Shoftim—that rulers and prophets must serve Aurayta, not exalt themselves. 2) Yeshua as the Prophet like unto Mosheh. John’s role is preparatory, a herald, whereas Yeshua is the fulfilment of Deuteronomy’s prophecy. He embodies the righteous Judge, King, and Prophet anticipated in Aurayta.