Exodus 19:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The people observed the cloud of presence, and it communicated with Moses. Who was it that spoke? Is it not evident that it was the cloud which had previously appeared to the patriarchs in human form? However, it is indicated that it was not the Supreme God who is above all, but rather another being whom we refer to as the Word of God, the Christ, who in that moment was revealed in a cloud due to the large crowd, for they, unlike the patriarchs, were unable to withstand seeing Him in human likeness. The privilege of the perfect is to anticipate His manifestation in human flesh, but since the entire assembly could not endure it at that time, the Lawgiver appeared to them in reason, then in fire to instill fear and strike awe, and then in a cloud... in fire, and in a cloud... similarly for Moses as well.

The cloud that enveloped the camp of Israel has consistently represented the presence of the Lord; the glory of God manifested in that cloud during the wilderness journey in Sin (Exodus 16:10). In this instance, it is not just Moses or the prophets who hear the Lord’s voice, but the entirety of the Israelite nation. The whole people are granted the gift of vision, meaning they are blessed with a unique grace that could transform each individual into a prophet, provided they comprehend and live according to the commandments of the Lord.