Peter, James, and John, delighted to be with Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, want them to stay. Peter thus proposes making three tents as echoes of the men’s heavenly dwellings (Luke 16:9; John 14:2), so that the visitors will stay and the glorious experience could continue, but it was not meant to continue. Jesus first had to achieve his departure through death (Luke 9:31; Matthew 16:21).
Peter, James, and John were obviously overwhelmed with delight to be present on the Mount of Transfiguration with Jesus, Moses, and Elijah and wanted to remain in their presence. Peter therefore proposes to make three tents as earthly counterparts to the men’s heavenly dwellings (Luke 16:9; John 14:2), so that the heavenly visitors might remain and the glorious experience could continue. Yet the transfiguration was not meant to continue. Jesus first had to accomplish his departure through death (Luke 9:31; Matthew 16:21).1
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.”