The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD, over many waters. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty. The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon. . . The voice of the LORD flashes forth flames of fire. The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness; the LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. The voice of the LORD makes the deer give birth . . .1
In the beginning the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.2 God merely spoke creation into being,3—revealing Gods glory, power, and might. Yet man could not understand the spreading of the clouds with accompanying thunders.4 After God spoke to Moses and gave the Commandments, and all the people saw the thunder and the flashes of lightning and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking, the people were afraid.5 God’s voice is life giving.6 He provided—protection,7 water8 and food.9 Thunders, flashes of lightning, flames of fire were manifestations of his presence.
In many instances, God used fire to show his anger. And fire came out from the LORD and consumed the 250 men offering the incense.10 Because he was angry, The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Most High uttered his voice, hailstones and coals of fire.11 The Bible speaks of a future event when God would shake the heavens and the earth.12 . . . a loud voice came out of the temple, from the throne, saying, “It is done!”13
Nevertheless, what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the LORD our God is to us, whenever we call upon him?14 God walked with Adam and Eve,15 Enoch,16 and Noah.17 He talked with them. God called to (Moses) out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!”18 Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to a friend.19 God spoke through his prophets. The word of the LORD came to Elijah. And behold, the LORD passed by . . . but the LORD was not in the wind . . . not in the earthquake . . . not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper.20
Today, the voice of the LORD is seldom audible; yet God communicates. His voice may come through a nudge, an impression, a thought. But surely, he will not contradict the Scriptures.21 Thus, to hear from him we need to persevere with our daily devotions;22 imitate Jesus—worship,23 study,24 and pray.25 IF you believe and accept Jesus as Lord and Savior,26 you have the assurance that the Spirit indwells in you.27 He will remind you of all things28 (in the bible).
Give ear, O my people, to my teaching . . . We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation.29 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance, and through the encouragement of Scriptures we might have hope.30 Jesus is the mediator of a new covenant.31 See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. . . .32 for our God is a consuming fire.33
Notes:
1. Psalm 29:3-9
2. Genesis 1:1-2
3. Genesis 1-2; Psalm 148:1-6
4. Job 36:29
5. Exodus 20:18
6. Psalm 29:9
7. Exodus 17:6, Psalm 78:13-14
8. Psalm 78:15-16, Isaiah 48:21
9. Exodus 16:4-12
10. Numbers 16:35
11. Psalm 18:7,13
12. Isaiah 13:13, Haggai 2:6
13. Revelations 16:17-18
14. Deuteronomy 4:7
15. Genesis 3:8
16. Genesis 5:24
17. Genesis 6:9
18. Exodus 3:4
19. Exodus 33:11a
20. 1 Kings 19:9-13
21. Isaiah 40:8, Hebrews 13:8
22. Acts 17:11
23. John 4:23-24
24. Luke 2:46
25. Matthew 14:13, Luke 4:42, 5:16
26. Romans 10:8-11
27. Ephesians 1:11-14
28. John 14:25-26
29. Psalm 78:1-4
30. Romans 15:4
31. Hebrews 9:11-15
32. Hebrews 12:24
33. Hebrews 12:29
