4 And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 5 He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” (Matthew 17:4–5 (ESV)
During the moments of Jesus’ transfiguration before Peter, James and John (Matt. 17:1-2), the three disciples also witnessed the Lord conversing with Moses and Elijah who miraculously appeared (Matt. 17:3).
It was then that Peter, in typical fashion, chose not to keep quiet but rather to speak. The apostle said, “Lord, it is good that we are here.” Peter expressed that it was beautiful to be in this place and witness this event.
Peter then said, “. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” What did Peter mean by this second statement?
“This is undoubtedly a reference to the booths that were used to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles, when the Israelites dwelt in booths for seven days (Lev. 23:34–42). Peter was expressing a wish to stay in that place,” explains Dr. John MacArthur. Once again, Peter was trying to circumvent the purpose of Jesus’ coming (see Matt. 16:21-23). Rather than being quiet, Peter sought to intervene.
“On the mountain, Peter had interrupted Moses, Elijah, and Jesus with a remark that caused a divine intervention. They were speaking to Jesus about His departure (the Greek word is exodos) “which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem” (Luke 9:31). Representing the Law and the Prophets, Moses and Elijah were looking and longing for what the exodus from Egypt for the land of promise was typifying. But Peter and the rest were thinking of Jesus on the mountain more like Moses on Sinai and Elijah on Carmel—and not the Messiah on Mount Calvary. Peter had wanted to celebrate Jesus along with Moses by a Feast of Booths. A little later, James and John (probably thinking of Elijah, see 2 Kings 1) would want to call down fire from heaven on the Samaritans (Luke 9:54). They were not only wanting to perpetuate Judaism and fit Jesus into it, but also to have top table positions in the kingdom for themselves (Mark 10:35),” states one commentator.
It was at that moment that God the Father intervened. He said, ““This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” God the Fatherannounced that He was pleased with the person and work of Jesus Christ, God the Son. The Father then commanded the apostles to listen and understand what Jesus had already said to them about His mission.
“The transfiguration was before Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. After—and because of—Jesus’ resurrection, the promised Holy Spirit came, and Peter had something much better to preach (see Acts 2:14–37; 10:34–43; 2 Peter 1:16–18). The transfiguration pointed to Jesus’ future resurrection and glory. John wrote his whole gospel and Apocalypse perhaps recalling that “we beheld his glory” (John 1:14).”
As believers in Christ, it is wise to be slow to speak and quick to listen (Prov. 10:19; 17:27; James 1:19). Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
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