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The whole multitude heard a noise; but the meaning of the voice was only perceived by each in proportion to his spiritual intelligence. Thus the wild beast perceives only a sound in the human voice; the trained animal discovers a meaning, a command, e.g., which it immediately obeys; man alone discerns a thought.

(F. Godet, D. D.)

The voice from heaven: —

I. THE VOICE.

1. Grossly misunderstood by the bystanders —

(1) As a natural phenomenon, as thunder.

(2) As a supernatural utterance, the speech of an angel — a significant proof of man's incapacity to understand the words of God (1 Corinthians 2:14).

2. Lovingly by Jesus; as an old and familiar voice, the voice of His Father, which twice previously had addressed Him out of heaven. It needs a child's heart to recognize a father's voice.

3. Rightly interpreted again by Jesus — perhaps also by John and his co-apostles — to whom it spoke in the language of —

(1)  Approbation, "I have glorified it."

(2)  Consolation, "Will glorify it again."

II. THE PURPOSE OF THE VOICE.

1. Not for His sake; since He knew His Father always heard Him (chap. John 11:42).

2. But for theirs — to assure them that He was the Father's Son, the heaven-sent Messiah.Learn —

1. The superiority of faith to unbelief in the understanding of Divine revelations.

2. The condescension of Christ in considering man's weakness and infirmity.

(T. Whitelaw, D. D.)

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KJV: Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.

WEB: Father, glorify your name!" Then there came a voice out of the sky, saying, "I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again."