What Old Testament events connect with Jesus' transfiguration in Matthew 17:2? Setting the Scene: Matthew 17:2 “And He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.” (Matthew 17:2) Mountaintop Flashbacks: Moses on Sinai • Exodus 24:15-18 – Moses goes up a high mountain, a cloud covers it six days, and “the appearance of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire.” • Exodus 34:29-35 – When Moses comes down, “the skin of his face shone because he had spoken with the LORD.” • Shared elements with Jesus’ transfiguration: – High mountain setting – Overshadowing cloud (Matthew 17:5) – Radiant face – Audible divine voice Glowing Prophet: Elijah at Horeb • 1 Kings 19:8-13 – Elijah travels forty days to Horeb, stands in a cave, and experiences wind, earthquake, fire, then a gentle whisper from God. • Like the transfiguration, Elijah encounters God on a mountain and hears His voice. Elijah’s presence beside Jesus (Matthew 17:3) ties the two mountain episodes together. The Cloud of Glory—Shekinah Moments • Exodus 13:21 – “The LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud.” • Exodus 40:34-35 – “The cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.” • 1 Kings 8:10-11 – At the temple dedication “the priests could not stand to minister… for the glory of the LORD filled the house.” • Matthew 17:5 mirrors these scenes: “a bright cloud overshadowed them.” The same glory-cloud signals God’s presence. Divine Sonship Proclaimed: Echo of Psalm 2 • Psalm 2:7 – “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.” • Matthew 17:5 – “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!” The heavenly declaration on the mountain reprises the royal Psalm, confirming Jesus as the promised King. White Garments and Eternal Dominion: Daniel’s Vision • Daniel 7:9-14 – The Ancient of Days wears clothing “white as snow,” and “One like a son of man” receives everlasting dominion. • Jesus’ dazzling clothes and radiant face preview the glory Daniel foresaw for the Son of Man. A Better Exodus Foreshadowed • Deuteronomy 18:15-18 – Moses promises, “The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me.” • Luke 9:31 (parallel account) notes Moses and Elijah speaking with Jesus “about His departure [literally, exodus] which He was about to accomplish.” The transfiguration looks back to Israel’s first exodus and forward to the greater deliverance Jesus will achieve at the cross and empty tomb. Why These Connections Matter • Moses represents the Law; Elijah represents the Prophets. Their appearance with Jesus shows the entire Old Testament pointing to Him. • The glowing cloud and divine voice stamp heaven’s approval on Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God’s glory (Hebrews 1:1-3). • Daniel’s vision assures us that the radiant Son of Man will reign forever, and believers will share in His kingdom (Daniel 7:27). Key Takeaways for Today • Scripture hangs together—events on Sinai, Horeb, and in Daniel’s visions converge on the mount of transfiguration. • The same God who manifested glory in the Old Testament fully reveals Himself in Jesus. • The transfiguration strengthens faith by previewing Christ’s resurrection glory and His future return (2 Peter 1:16-18). |
    |