thundered
The Hebrew word used here is "ra'am," which conveys the idea of a powerful, awe-inspiring sound. Thunder in the ancient Near Eastern context was often associated with the voice of a deity, signifying divine intervention and power. In the Bible, thunder is frequently used as a metaphor for God's voice (Psalm 29:3-9). This imagery underscores God's majesty and His ability to command nature, reflecting His omnipotence and the fearsome nature of His presence.

from heaven
This phrase indicates the origin of the divine action, emphasizing the transcendence and sovereignty of God. Heaven is depicted as God's dwelling place, a realm beyond human reach, symbolizing His holiness and authority. The mention of heaven highlights the divine source of the thunder, reinforcing the idea that God's power is not of this world but comes from His heavenly throne, where He rules over all creation.

the voice of the Most High
"Most High" is translated from the Hebrew "Elyon," a title that emphasizes God's supreme authority and exalted status above all other gods and powers. This title is used throughout the Old Testament to denote God's unparalleled majesty and sovereignty (Genesis 14:18-20, Psalm 47:2). The "voice" of the Most High signifies His command and the execution of His will. It is a voice that cannot be ignored, one that brings about change and demonstrates His ultimate control over the universe.

resounded
The Hebrew word "natan" is used here, which means "to give" or "to produce." In this context, it conveys the idea of God's voice echoing or reverberating powerfully. This resounding voice signifies the far-reaching impact of God's word and His ability to influence and alter the course of events. It is a reminder of the creative power of God's voice, as seen in Genesis 1, where God speaks the world into existence. The resounding voice of God in 2 Samuel 22:14 serves as a testament to His active involvement in the world and His ability to bring about His purposes with authority and might.

"Jehovah thundered from heaven,
And the Most High uttered his voice.
And he sent forth arrows, and scattered them [the evil doers];
Lightning, and terrified them.

And the sea beds became visible,
The foundations of the world were laid bare,
At the rebuke of Jehovah,
By the breath of the wind of his nostril." Terrified. The verb signifies" to strike with sodden terror and alarm" (see Exodus 14:24; Joshua 10:10). It describes here the panic caused by the lightning, and by the violent throes of nature, so powerfully described in ver. 16. Laid bare. This is the meaning of the word "discovered" in the Authorized Version. When the version was made, it was equivalent to "uncovered," but has now changed its signification.

Parallel Commentaries ...