A Bright Cloud Overshadowed Them

Matthew 17:5-7 - While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. The cloud that overshadowed them was the glory of God, the same cloud that smote the Egyptians, that led the children of Israel through the Red Sea, that defeated the chariots of Pharaoh, that appeared above the Tabernacle, and in the Holy of Holies. The same cloud which led Israel into the promised land. When Moses was on the Holy Mountain there was a thick cloud and Moses entered into the cloud and heard the voice of God (Ex 19:9). This bright cloud that overshadowed the disciples was terrifying to them for when they saw it and heard the voice that came out of the cloud they fell on their faces and were shaking in horror.