Matthew 17:5

“While he yet spake, etc.] That is, while Peter was proposing the above to Christ, before an answer could be given by him, and which was unworthy of one, another scene of things presents, and a full answer is returned him by a voice from the Father; directing him and his fellow disciples, to attend to Jesus only, and not to Moses and Elias; and behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; that is, Jesus, Moses, and Elias; the two last of which were seen no more; and which cloud covered them, as the cloud of glory covered the Israelites in the wilderness: and which, as it ceased at the death of Moses, the first prophet; one like unto it appeared at the declaration of Christ, as the greater…”

“A bright cloud overshadowed them - The word “overshadow” here means, rather, to “be diffused” or “spread” over them. It does not mean that it made a shade. A cloud was the symbol of the divine presence. Thus, God went before the Israelites in a cloudy pillar - dark by day and bright by night Exodus 14:19-20; he appeared on Mount Sinai in a cloud bright by fire Exodus 24:15-17; and a cloud, the symbol of the divine presence - called the Shechinah - dwelt continually in the most holy place in the temple, 1 Kings 8:10-11; Ezekiel 1:4; Ezekiel 10:4. When, therefore, the disciples saw this cloud, they were prepared to hear the word of the Lord. This is my beloved Son - This was the voice of God.…”

“Hear ye him - As superior even to Moses and the prophets. See Deu 18:17. Matthew 17:7”

“17:5 a bright cloud overshadowed them: Such an occurrence accompanied God’s presence among the ancient Israelites during Moses’ ministry (see Exod 24:15-18; 25:8; 29:45-46; 40:34-38). • my dearly loved Son: The Father was confirming what Peter had previously affirmed (Matt 16:16-17). • They should listen to him because Jesus is God’s Son, who, as a prophet, reveals God’s will (11:27; see Deut 18:15, 18; Acts 3:22-23; 7:37).”

“behold: Exo 40:34, Exo 40:35; Kg1 8:10-12; Psa 18:10, Psa 18:11; Luk 9:34; Act 1:9; Rev 1:7 a voice: Exo 19:19; Deu 4:11, Deu 4:12, Deu 5:22; Job 38:1; Psa 81:7; Joh 5:37, Joh 12:28-30; Act 9:3-6 This: Mat 3:17; Mar 1:11, Mar 9:7; Luk 3:22, Luk 9:35; Joh 3:16, Joh 3:35, Joh 5:20-23; Eph 1:6; Col 1:13 \*marg. Pe2 1:16, Pe2 1:17 in whom: Mat 12:18; Isa 42:1, Isa 42:21; Joh 15:9, Joh 15:10 hear: Deu 18:15, Deu 18:19; Act 3:22, Act 3:23, Act 7:37; Heb 1:1, Heb 1:2, Heb 2:1-3, Heb 5:9, Heb 12:25, Heb 12:26 Matthew 17:6”