Careful readers of the Gospel of Matthew have noted the numerous similarities between Moses' experience on Mt. Sinai and Jesus' transfiguration. The following table tries to illustrate these similarities.
Some Similarities between
Moses’ Sinai Experience (Exodus 24)
and Jesus’ Transfiguration
(Matthew 24)
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After
six days (24:16)
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After
six days (17:1)
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Aaron,
Nadab, and Abihu are singled out (24:1, 9)
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Peter,
James, and John are singled out (17:1)
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Mount
Sinai (24:16)
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A
high mountain (17:1)
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Moses
is on the mount
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Moses
is on the mount (17:3)
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God
speaks
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God
speaks (17:5)
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Moses’
face shines in 2nd visit to Sinai (34:29–30, 35)
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Jesus
face shines (17:2)
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Cloud
covering the mountain (24:15–18)
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A
bright cloud (17:5)
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Moses
returns to a problematic situation (Exod 32)
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Jesus
returns to a problematic situation (17:14–18)
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This second table containing similar but additional information comes from Charles Quarles.
Features Reminiscent of Moses
in the Accounts of Jesus’ Transfiguration
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|||
Exodus
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Matthew
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Mark
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Luke
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after six
days (24:16)
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17:1
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9:2
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on a high
mountain (24:12, 15-18; 34:3)
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17:1
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9:2
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9:28
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a cloud
descends and covers the mountain (24:15-18; 34:5)
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17:5
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9:7
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9:34
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a voice
speaks from the cloud (24:16)
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17:5
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9:7
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9:35
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central
figure reflects or radiates the divine glory (34:29-30, 35)
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17:2
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9:3
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9:29
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three
individuals are given special mention (24:1)
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17:1
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9:2
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9:28
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bystanders
react with fear (34:29-30)
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17:6
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9:6
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9:34
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Charles L. Quarles, A Theology of Matthew: Jesus Revealed as Deliverer, King, and Incarnate
Creator, Explorations in Biblical theology, ed. Robert A. Peterson
(Phillipsburg, PA: P & R, 2013, 45.
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