Why are Moses & Elijah at the transfiguration?

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post

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Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “
This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.
Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “
Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead.
(Matthew 17:1-9)


Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. And Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” — because he did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid.
And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “
This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” Suddenly, when they had looked around, they saw no one anymore, but only Jesus with themselves.
Now as they came down from the mountain, He commanded them that they should tell no one the things they had seen, till the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept this word to themselves, questioning what the rising from the dead meant.

(Mark 9:2-10)


Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him. Then it happened, as they were parting from Him, that Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” — not knowing what he said.
While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were fearful as they entered the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” When the voice had ceased, Jesus was found alone. But they kept quiet, and told no one in those days any of the things they had seen.
(Luke 9:28-36)


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obvious question:
why Moses & Elijah, specifically?
why not anyone else, and why these two in particular?
the omniscient God of all things, perfect in all His ways, chose exactly these two to appear with The Son at this event: why?
 

Taken

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Why are Moses & Elijah at the transfiguration?
OP ^

According to my understanding, per Scriptural validation...

* Moses was established the appointed Law giver to the Hebrews/Tribes (Gods elect, i.e. ISRAEL)
Moses, faithful, a leader, "witness", participant, leading Gods people, in Gods Word, and Travels out of bondage.

* Elijah was established a faithful Prophet, "witness".

Both Ranked High "among" Gods People as Faithful and Trustworthy and Highly Positioned as Faithful Servants "to God Himself."

I would suppose, in Gods estimation, God Himself (who knows all things), appointed His Highest Faithful and Trustworthy (earthly created and made) Servants to Stand in the position as Witness of the Grand Event of Jesus' Transfiguration, for the benefit of ALL saints, on Earth and in Heaven.

Glory to God,
Taken

 

post

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Why are Moses & Elijah at the transfiguration?
OP ^

According to my understanding, per Scriptural validation...

* Moses was established the appointed Law giver to the Hebrews/Tribes (Gods elect, i.e. ISRAEL)
Moses, faithful, a leader, "witness", participant, leading Gods people, in Gods Word, and Travels out of bondage.

* Elijah was established a faithful Prophet, "witness".

Both Ranked High "among" Gods People as Faithful and Trustworthy and Highly Positioned as Faithful Servants "to God Himself."

I would suppose, in Gods estimation, God Himself (who knows all things), appointed His Highest Faithful and Trustworthy (earthly created and made) Servants to Stand in the position as Witness of the Grand Event of Jesus' Transfiguration, for the benefit of ALL saints, on Earth and in Heaven.

Glory to God,
Taken

This is a common explanation, that they 'represent the law and the prophets' - - but Christ said John was the greatest prophet, not Elijah - and Elisha had a double portion of what Elijah had.

So i consider it an intractable explanation.
 
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Randy Kluth

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obvious question:
why Moses & Elijah, specifically?
why not anyone else, and why these two in particular?
the omniscient God of all things, perfect in all His ways, chose exactly these two to appear with The Son at this event: why?

This was a pre-glorification event, showing the closest disciples what lay ahead in the future for all of the faithful. At that time they were still under the Law, obtaining their relationship with God through sacrifices at the temple, and through obedience to the many requirements of the Law. Jesus was showing them that achieving glorification rested on Jesus' work and not on the works of Israel under the Law.

Moses represented the works of the Law, and Elijah represented how prophecy interprets the Law as fulfilled by the redemption of Jesus. It would be a new covenant. None of this is explained at that time, since they were still under the Law, and could not be told yet to transcend the Law. But later, they would know what this meant, that the New Covenant supersedes the Law.

We may have wondered, in the past, just where the Scriptures tell the Jews they can abandon the Law and start to live outside of the boundaries of the Law? Well, here it is! Don't be concerned about building a permanent place for Moses and Elijah, both of whom were prophets of the OT system. Rather, focus on Jesus as the permanent voice of God. He supersedes the Law.
 
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post

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This was a pre-glorification event, showing the closest disciples what lay ahead in the future for all of the faithful. At that time they were still under the Law, obtaining their relationship with God through sacrifices at the temple, and through obedience to the many requirements of the Law. Jesus was showing them that achieving glorification rested on Jesus' work and not on the works of Israel under the Law.

Moses represented the works of the Law, and Elijah represented how prophecy interprets the Law as fulfilled by the redemption of Jesus. It would be a new covenant. None of this is explained at that time, since they were still under the Law, and could not be told yet to transcend the Law. But later, they would know what this meant, that the New Covenant supersedes the Law.

We may have wondered, in the past, just where the Scriptures tell the Jews they can abandon the Law and start to live outside of the boundaries of the Law? Well, here it is! Don't be concerned about building a permanent place for Moses and Elijah, both of whom were prophets of the OT system. Rather, focus on Jesus as the permanent voice of God. He supersedes the Law.

But why specifically Moses, why specifically Elijah?
Not that there are no significant metaphors to be drawn from their presence and what offices they are famous for, but if such metaphors are the primary purpose of this event, why not Aaron, the high priest? Why not Elisha, who had twice the portion of Elijah as a prophet - or John who was greater than all prophets? Why not Ezekiel or Jeremiah? Or even Abel, the first prophet?

Something is evidently special about these two, something that they and only they have in common..
 

Taken

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This is a common explanation, that they 'represent the law and the prophets' - - but Christ said John was the greatest prophet, not Elijah - and Elisha had a double portion of what Elijah had.

So i consider it an intractable explanation.

All good, no issue with me. God is all knowing and His pleasure is effected by His Will, so it shall be.

Glory to God,
Taken
 

Wrangler

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Something is evidently special about these two, something that they and only they have in common.

Perhaps that premise is wrong - seeking an objective answer when the topic is subjective.

Perhaps in his childhood, Jesus personal favorite prophets were Moses & Elijah. Our God is a personal God and it would be like Him to send those who could most lift up Jesus in his darkest hour. I know that is who I would want most; those who mean the most to me personally, not who others objective analysis say I should be most affected by.

One thing that I've been thinking about s that people dismiss Moses and Jesus being prophets, along with Elijah. Jesus was walking in their footsteps, speaking the word of God to people not ready to hear it. Moses appealed to God, in fear the people would kill him. Jesus was not the first prophet to be killed but he may have been the first to willingly die for those who were his enemy.
 
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Enoch111

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And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.
Here is the key to the reason why Moses and Elijah appeared and conversed with Christ. Unfortunately the term "decease" is misleading. The Greek word is ἔξοδος (exodus) which literally means going out or departure. So Moses and Elijah came to talk about the crucifixion, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Christ. That would be the totality of His departure from earth. But that is also the Gospel.

Why did God choose Moses and Elijah to come to Christ? They represent the Law and the Prophets (the totality of the Old Testament). But also because these two would become the two prophetic witnesses in Jerusalem during the reign of the Antichrist (Rev 11). They would preach the Gospel and also perform the miracles which they had performed while on earth.
 

marks

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obvious question:
why Moses & Elijah, specifically?
why not anyone else, and why these two in particular?
the omniscient God of all things, perfect in all His ways, chose exactly these two to appear with The Son at this event: why?
He doesn't say why, not that I've seen.

Much love!
 

post

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Here is the key to the reason why Moses and Elijah appeared and conversed with Christ. Unfortunately the term "decease" is misleading. The Greek word is ἔξοδος (exodus) which literally means going out or departure. So Moses and Elijah came to talk about the crucifixion, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Christ. That would be the totality of His departure from earth. But that is also the Gospel.

Why did God choose Moses and Elijah to come to Christ? They represent the Law and the Prophets (the totality of the Old Testament). But also because these two would become the two prophetic witnesses in Jerusalem during the reign of the Antichrist (Rev 11). They would preach the Gospel and also perform the miracles which they had performed while on earth.

I find 'because they represent the law and the prophets' unsatisfactory as an explanation - as I've said, there are greater prophets, and there are better representatives of the law.

I believe that them being "witnesses" is a key to this, tho. They are present here as witnesses, too.
What did these two men witness that no other men in all of scripture witnessed? There's clues to that in the accounts posted in the OP.
 

post

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Perhaps that premise is wrong - seeking an objective answer when the topic is subjective.

Perhaps in his childhood, Jesus personal favorite prophets were Moses & Elijah. Our God is a personal God and it would be like Him to send those who could most lift up Jesus in his darkest hour. I know that is who I would want most; those who mean the most to me personally, not who others objective analysis say I should be most affected by.

One thing that I've been thinking about s that people dismiss Moses and Jesus being prophets, along with Elijah. Jesus was walking in their footsteps, speaking the word of God to people not ready to hear it. Moses appealed to God, in fear the people would kill him. Jesus was not the first prophet to be killed but he may have been the first to willingly die for those who were his enemy.

I think it is impossible for you to correctly understand and interpret scripture, because you do not believe scripture. You deny the person of Christ, saying He is not God.

When I have more time, and am not on a phone, I'll explain to you why all you've put here is so terribly wrong.
 

quietthinker

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Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “
This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.
Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “
Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead.
(Matthew 17:1-9)


Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. And Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” — because he did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid.
And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “
This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” Suddenly, when they had looked around, they saw no one anymore, but only Jesus with themselves.
Now as they came down from the mountain, He commanded them that they should tell no one the things they had seen, till the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept this word to themselves, questioning what the rising from the dead meant.

(Mark 9:2-10)


Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him. Then it happened, as they were parting from Him, that Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” — not knowing what he said.
While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were fearful as they entered the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” When the voice had ceased, Jesus was found alone. But they kept quiet, and told no one in those days any of the things they had seen.
(Luke 9:28-36)


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


obvious question:
why Moses & Elijah, specifically?
why not anyone else, and why these two in particular?
the omniscient God of all things, perfect in all His ways, chose exactly these two to appear with The Son at this event: why?
Both Moses and Elijah are representative of two groups of Gods people. Moses representing those who have died and are resurrected and glorified at Jesus' return and Elijah representing those who are glorified without seeing death at Jesus' return.

These two prophets were considered the greatest in the OT yet the voice that came from the cloud said 'this is my Son, listen to him' ....in other words, what Jesus has to say transcends what Moses and Elijah had to say.

By the word 'transcends' I mean, is a clearer picture of God's reality ie, his character.
 
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marks

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I find 'because they represent the law and the prophets' unsatisfactory as an explanation - as I've said, there are greater prophets, and there are better representatives of the law.
Myself, I find it as satisfactory as any other answer.

Moses was considered the Lawgiver, and Elijah is held up above the others. "The spirit and power of Elijah", not Elisha. Elijah prayed, and it didn't rain. Not Elisha.

The NT appears to honor Elijah in a way it does not Elisha.

Much love!
 
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marks

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I think it is impossible for you to correctly understand and interpret scripture, because you do not believe scripture. You deny the person of Christ, saying He is not God.
That's handy!
 

post

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These two prophets were considered the greatest in the OT

that's an interesting response, and one i haven't heard!
but Elisha received a double portion of Elijah's spirit - so how can i say Elijah was the greatest prophet? or Moses?
it's ultimately not based in scripture but eisegesis.
 

marks

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that's an interesting response, and one i haven't heard!
but Elisha received a double portion of Elijah's spirit - so how can i say Elijah was the greatest prophet? or Moses?
it's ultimately not based in scripture but eisegesis.
So . . . do you have an idea on this?
 
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post

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Myself, I find it as satisfactory as any other answer.

Moses was considered the Lawgiver, and Elijah is help up above the others. "The spirit and power of Elijah", not Elisha. Elijah prayed, and it didn't rain. Not Elisha.

The NT appears to honor Elijah in a way it does not Elisha.

Much love!

by unsatisfactory i mean, it does not explain specifically why these two are present. there's nothing in the text indicating 'law and prophets' must be symbolized by something -- that's a metaphor drawn from wondering why those two are there, used circularly to identify these two as 'best representatives' of them -- and while there's a case for Moses representing the law, there is not a case for Elijah being the best representative of 'the prophets' -- Christ Himself says John is greater than all the prophets, and John had died by this time.

the ministry of John was in the spirit of Elijah, and John himself says that his time has passed, the Christ having now appeared, so we don't have a ready reason for 'the spirit of Elijah' to testify to the apostles or to anyone who would hear this after Christ laid down His life ((for He commanded them not to tell anyone until then -- something else that has to be explained)). moreover, if 'the spirit of Elijah' is the spirit of prophecy, than (a) Elisha has twice this spirit, so why not him? and (b) the testimony of Christ is the spirit of prophecy, per Revelation 19:10. and Christ is there.

overall the transfiguration is something being revealed to Peter, James & John ((why doesn't John write about it?)) -- and we need to discover precisely what is being revealed in order to understand why these two are there bearing witness to that: both of these men are witness to the thing being revealed about Christ by His appearing in glory, in a bright cloud.

is a bright cloud of glory associated with these two men, in a way that no other people in all of scripture are associated?
what aspect of Christ do Elijah & Moses represent that Elisha & Aaron do not represent?
was Christ in His first appearing, as a man, a servant, 'filling the gap' that Elijah & Moses do not represent, but Elisha and Aaron do - so that their presence is not needed in order to complete the sign to these three disciples?
what is significant about there being only these two men -- why not 12 or 37 men? why not a whole group of 70 men of God from times past? why isn't Abraham there, representing faith or something, and why isn't Rahab there, or Samson, or David?

do see what i mean by not being satisfactory as an answer to just say, 'they represent the law and the prophets' ?
why do the law and the prophets need to be represented? what scriptural evidence can i point to saying, these are the best representatives, instead of for example a burning firepot and a smoking torch ((Genesis 15))? do a burning firepot and a smoking torch even represent 'law and prophets' ?? why not a scroll? isn't the glorified Christ representative of prophecy already?

what is it that Peter James & John need to see and understand here -- and how is it that the presence of Moses & Elijah in that bright cloud with Jesus testifies of that thing they need to see and understand? they already know that Christ is fulfilling prophecy and that His word is law.

there's something deeper here ;)
 
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