Word Pictures in the New Testament - David Cox

Word Pictures in the NT [Matthew: Chapter 17].
with Moses (to be understood also with Elijah), but the
participle \sunlalountes\ is plural agreeing with both.
"Sufficient objectivity is guaranteed by the vision being enjoyed
by all three" (Bruce). The Jewish apocalypses reveal popular
expectations that Moses and Elijah would reappear. Both had
mystery connected with their deaths. One represented law, the
other prophecy, while Jesus represented the gospel (grace). They
spoke of his decease (Lu 9:31), the cross, the theme uppermost
in the mind of Christ and which the disciples did not comprehend.
Jesus needed comfort and he gets it from fellowship with Moses
and Elijah.
17:4 {And Peter answered} (\apokritheis de ho Petros\). "Peter to
the front again, but not greatly to his credit" (Bruce). It is
not clear what Peter means by his saying: "It is good for us to
be here" (\kalon estin h•m•s h•de einai\). Luke (Lu 9:33) adds
"not knowing what he said," as they "were heavy with sleep." So
it is not well to take Peter too seriously on this occasion. At
any rate he makes a definite proposal. {I will make} (\pai•s•\).
Future indicative though aorist subjunctive has same form.
{Tabernacles} (\sk•nas\), booths. The Feast of Tabernacles was
not far away. Peter may have meant that they should just stay up
here on the mountain and not go to Jerusalem for the feast.
17:5 {Overshadowed} (\epeskiasen\). They were up in cloud-land
that swept round and over them. See this verb used of Mary (Lu
1:35) and of Peter's shadow (Ac 5:15). {This is} (\houtos
estin\). At the baptism (Mt 3:17) these words were addressed to
Jesus. Here the voice out of the bright cloud speaks to them
about Jesus. {Hear ye him} (\akouete autou\). Even when he speaks
about his death. A sharp rebuke to Peter for his consolation to
Jesus about his death.
17:7 {And touched them} (\kai hapsamenos aut•n\). Tenderness in
their time of fear.
17:8 {Lifting up their eyes} (\eparantes tous ophthalmous
aut•n\). After the reassuring touch of Jesus and his words of
cheer. {Jesus only} (\I•soun monon\). Moses and Elijah were gone
in the bright cloud.
17:9 {Until} (\he•s hou\). This conjunction is common with the
subjunctive for a future event as his Resurrection (\egerth•i\)
was. Again (Mr 9:10) they were puzzled over his meaning. Jesus
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