Commentaries:
People's Commentary (NT)
Matthew 17:5
A bright cloud overshadowed them. Christ, Moses and Elijah are
represented as in the cloud which separated them from the disciples'
sight; and out of this cloud the voice spoke to the disciples. By the
disciples such a luminous cloud would be instantly accepted as a symbol
of Divine presence. A bright cloud, the Shekinah, is throughout the Old
Testament dispensation employed as a symbol of God's presence, being
very generally entitled "the glory", or "the glory of the Lord". (See,
for example, Exodus 16:10 19:9 24:16,17.)
This is my beloved Son. The same voice which had once before been
heard at the baptism. Such a confirmation of the great confession of
Peter was never to be forgotten. Almost a generation later, when he
wrote his second epistle, the remembrance of this night was as vivid as
ever: "For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when there
came such a voice to him from the excellent glory" (2 Peter 1:17).
Hear ye him. The Divine voice that spoke at Sinai and the baptism
is heard, declaring Christ's superiority to Moses and Elijah, in that
he is "the beloved Son", and commanding all to "Hear Him". Henceforth,
not Moses, or Elijah, are the lawgivers of the people of God, but
Christ. The saints are bidden to turn from every human teacher, even
those as revered as Moses and Elijah, to listen to our Lord. To "hear
Him" will lead from error and sin into truth, righteousness and fitness
for heaven.
Other commentary entries containing this verse:
Matthew 3:17
Matthew 17:5
Mark 9:2
Luke 9:28-36
John 12:28
2 Peter 1:17
2 Peter 1:18
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