ACC ~ Mark 9 v4

WHY ELIJAH?

WHY MOSES?

ORIGEN: When the Son of God in his transfiguration is so understood and beheld as if his face were a sun, and his clothes white as the light itself, immediately it will appear to those who behold Jesus in this way that he is conversing with Moses (the law) and Elijah (the prophets). By means of the device of synecdoche [1] he is holding conversation not with one prophet only, but symbolically with all the prophets. COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 12.38. [2]

[1] A figure of speech by which the whole of a thing is put for a part or a part for the whole.

[2] ANF 10:470*; TLG 2042.030, 12.38.28-36. The law’s requirement and the prophets’ expectations are fulfilled in Christ.

BOTH HAD WITHSTOOD A TYRANT

CHRYSOSTOM: For both the one and the other had courageously withstood a tyrant: one the Egyptian, the other Ahab; and this on behalf of a people who were both ungrateful and disobedient. … And both were simple unlearned men. One was slow of speech and weak of voice. [1] The other a rough countryman. And both were men who had despised the riches of this world. For Moses possessed nothing. And Elijah had nothing but his sheepskin. GOSPEL OF ST. MATTHEW, HOMILY 56. [2]

[1] Cf. Ex 4:10.

[2] TLG 2062.152, 58.551.17-19, 22-27; SSGF 2:54.

POINTING TOWARD THE FINAL RESURRECTION

BEDE: Moses and Elijah, who talked with the Lord on the mountain, and spoke about his passion and resurrection, represent the oracles of the law and prophets which were fulfilled in the Lord. … The figures of Moses and Elijah embrace all who are finally to reign with the Lord. [1] By Moses, who died and was buried, we can understand those who at the judgment are going to be raised up from death. [2] By Elijah, on the other hand, who has not yet paid the debt of death, [3] we understand those who are going to be found alive in the flesh at the judge’s coming. EXPOSITION ON THE GOSPEL OF MARK 1.24. [4]

[1] Cf. Rev 22:5.

[2] Cf. Acts 17:31-32.

[3] 2 Kings 2:11.

[4] Cetedoc 1367, 1.24.144, 151; HOG 1:239*. The transfiguration points symbolically toward the end-time resurrection of the living (Elijah, who did not die but was taken up to heaven) and the dead (Moses, who died on Mt. Nebo).