Matthew 17:6

“And when the disciples heard it, etc.] The voice out of the cloud, and which they apprehended came from God, and was uttered with so much majesty: they fell on their face: not so much out of reverence, or for the sake of adoration, but as persons struck with astonishment and fear, and were as half dead; and so fell with their faces fiat to the ground, not being able to stand before God, to behold his majesty, and hear his voice: and were sore afraid: they were filled with fear, when, awaking out of their sleep, they saw the surprising glory of Christ, and of the two men that were with him, insomuch that they knew not what to think, or say; and so they were when they entered into the cloud,…”

“They fell on their face - They entered into the cloud, or the cloud enveloped them, Luke 9:34. “They were therefore afraid.” They were awed at the presence of God, and prostrated themselves in solemn adoration on the ground, and their fears were removed only by the voice of their beloved Master. No man can see God and live; and it is only the glory of God, as it shines in the face of Christ (see 2 Corinthians 4:6), that mortals can bear. return to 'Top of Page'”

“17:6-7 Such a response is typical for encounters with God’s glory (e.g., Isa 6:5; Dan 8:17; 10:9, 15-19; Rev 1:17).”

“Lev 9:24; Jdg 13:20, Jdg 13:22; Ch1 21:16; Eze 3:23, Eze 43:3; Dan 8:17, Dan 10:7-9; Dan 10:16, Dan 10:17; Act 22:7, Act 26:14; Pe2 1:18 Matthew 17:7”