In the Bible the history of our salvation begins with the call
of Abraham (Genesis 12). After Adams sin, Cains murder of Abel,
the flood and the Tower of Babel, the call of Abraham marks a
fresh start and the birth of the people of God. Speaking
directly to Abraham, God promises to form him into a great
nation, to make his name great and to bless him and his
descendants. The transfiguration narrative introduces two more
great figures in salvation history, Moses and Elijah. Moses led
his people out of slavery in Egypt, received the Torah on Mount
Sinai and brought Gods people to the edge of the promised land.
Elijah, the great prophet in northern Israel during the ninth
century B.C., performed healings and other miracles and stood up
to Israels external enemies and the wicked within Israel. Their
presence in Matthews transfiguration account emphasizes Jesus
continuity with the Law (Moses) and the prophets (Elijah) in
salvation history. The word transfiguration refers to a change
of form or shape. The Greek wor