Matthew Poole and continuators on Numbers 12:8

8 With him will I speak mouth to mouth , even apparently , and not in dark speeches , and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?

(i. e.) Distinctly, by an articulate voice; immediately, not by an interpreter, nor by shadows and representations in his fancy, as it is in visions and dreams; and familiarly. This is called speaking face to face, 2 Epist. of Iohn ver. 12. and 3 Epist. ver. 14.

Plainly and certainly.

Not in parables, similitudes, riddles, dark resemblances, as by shewing a boyling pot, an Almond Tree, &c. to Ieremy, a chariot with wheels, &c. to Ezekiel.

Not the face or essence of God, which no man can see and live, Exod. 33. 20. it being invisible, Col. 1. 15. and never seen by man, Iohn 1. 18 but some singular manifestation of his glorious presence, as Exod. 33. 11, 20, &c. and 34. 5, &c. Deut. 34. 10. Yea the Son of God appeared to him in an humane shape, which he took up for a time, that he might give him a forecast of his future incarnation.

Who is so in such an eminent and extraordinary manner.

Marginal references: Exod. 33. 11.