2 Samuel 22:14

KJV

The LORD thundered from heaven, and the most High uttered his voice.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} thundered {H7481} from heaven {H8064}, and the most High {H5945} uttered {H5414} his voice {H6963}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"ADONAI thundered from heaven, Ha'Elyon sounded his voice.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded.

American Standard Version

Jehovah thundered from heaven, And the Most High uttered his voice.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 22:14 vividly portrays a dramatic divine intervention on behalf of King David, capturing a moment of awe-inspiring power within his psalm of deliverance. Through the potent imagery of thunder and a divine voice emanating from heaven, the verse depicts a powerful theophany—a visible and audible manifestation of God's presence—underscoring His supreme authority, active involvement in human affairs, and unwavering commitment to rescue His faithful servant from overwhelming enemies. It stands as a declaration of Yahweh's cosmic power unleashed for the vindication of the righteous.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral and climactic part of a magnificent psalm of thanksgiving and praise, recorded in its entirety in [2 Samuel chapter 22](/2_samuel/22 "2 Samuel 22 - David's Song of Deliverance"). This composition is nearly identical to [Psalm 18](/psalm/18 "Psalm 18 - David's Psalm of Deliverance"), highlighting its profound significance and probable widespread use in Israelite worship. David composed this psalm "in the day that the LORD had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul" ([2 Samuel 22:1](/2_samuel/22-1 "2 Samuel 22:1 - David's Deliverance")). The psalm employs rich poetic and military imagery, portraying God as a divine warrior who descends from heaven, riding on a cherub and the wings of the wind, to rescue David from the depths of despair and the clutches of his adversaries. Verse 14 specifically belongs to a section (verses 8-16) that describes this divine intervention with powerful cosmic phenomena, emphasizing the overwhelming force and majesty of God's appearance as He actively engages in battle on David's behalf.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King David's life was undeniably marked by relentless conflict, from his early days fleeing Saul's murderous pursuit to his later reign plagued by foreign wars and internal rebellions. The "enemies" mentioned in [2 Samuel 22:1](/2_samuel/22-1 "2 Samuel 22:1 - David's Deliverance") encompass a lifetime of threats, culminating in God's ultimate vindication of David as Israel's rightful king. In the ancient Near East, it was common for kings to attribute their victories to their patron deities, often depicted as storm gods wielding thunder and lightning. However, David's psalm distinctly attributes his deliverance not to human might or cunning, but to the direct, supernatural intervention of Yahweh, the God of Israel. The imagery of a deity thundering from heaven and uttering a voice, while echoing common ancient motifs, is uniquely applied to Yahweh, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over creation and His unparalleled power to intervene in history, far surpassing any pagan deity. This reappropriation of common imagery serves to magnify the uniqueness and supremacy of Israel's God.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching themes in [2 Samuel chapter 22](/2_samuel/22 "2 Samuel 22 - David's Song of Deliverance"), and particularly highlighted in verse 14, include **Divine Sovereignty and Power**, where God is depicted as the ultimate ruler of the cosmos, capable of unleashing cosmic forces to achieve His purposes. Another crucial theme is **God as Deliverer and Rescuer**, emphasizing His faithfulness to His covenant and His anointed one. David's experience serves as a profound testament to God's active and personal involvement in the lives of those who trust Him, providing salvation from seemingly insurmountable odds. Furthermore, the verse powerfully contributes to the theme of **Theophany and Divine Manifestation**, portraying God's presence not as a static concept but as a dynamic, awe-inspiring, and often terrifying display of His majesty and judgment against evil, as seen in other biblical accounts like the giving of the law at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God Appears at Mount Sinai") and the vision of [Ezekiel's chariot](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel 1 - Ezekiel's Vision of God's Glory").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From the root הָיָה (_hâyâh_), meaning "to be," this is the covenant name of God, often transliterated as Yahweh. It signifies God's self-existence, eternality, and His personal, relational, and unchanging character. Its use here emphasizes that the mighty, cosmic intervention described is not from a generic deity but from the faithful God who has entered into a covenant relationship with David and Israel. It underscores His active presence and unwavering commitment to His promises.
* **Most High (Hebrew, _ʻelyôwn'_):** Derived from the root עָלָה (_ʻâlâh_), meaning "to go up" or "ascend," this title emphasizes God's supreme sovereignty, His exalted position above all earthly and heavenly powers, and His transcendence. It reinforces that the thunder and voice originate from the ultimate authority in the universe, whose power knows no bounds and whose decrees are absolute. The combination of _Yᵉhôvâh_ and _ʻelyôwn_ presents a God who is both intimately relational and supremely transcendent, demonstrating His personal care alongside His cosmic dominion.
* **thundered (Hebrew, _râʻam'_):** A primitive root meaning "to tumble" or "be violently agitated," specifically referring to the crashing sound of thunder. In biblical literature, thunder is frequently associated with divine presence, power, and judgment (e.g., [Exodus 9:23](/exodus/9-23 "Exodus 9:23 - The Plague of Hail and Thunder")). Here, it depicts God's voice as a force of nature, highlighting its immense power, majesty, and uncontainable nature. This imagery is a common biblical motif for a theophany, where the sound of thunder is understood as the very voice of God, signifying His active intervention and judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD thundered from heaven":** This clause establishes the divine agent and the source of the dramatic intervention. "The LORD" (Yahweh) is the active subject, indicating a personal and purposeful act of God. "Thundered" signifies an overwhelming, inescapable display of power, often associated with divine judgment and the breaking of human resistance. The phrase "from heaven" emphasizes the divine origin and cosmic scale of this intervention, indicating that God's help comes from beyond human limitations, from His exalted dwelling place, demonstrating His transcendence over earthly affairs.
* **"and the most High uttered his voice":** This is a poetic parallel to the first clause, reinforcing and intensifying the imagery. "The most High" (ʿElyon) reiterates God's supreme authority and transcendence, identifying the speaker as the ultimate sovereign. "Uttered his voice" (from Hebrew _nâthan qôwl_, "gave a voice" or "sent forth a sound") confirms that the thunder is not a random natural phenomenon but a deliberate, audible manifestation of God's will and presence. It implies a divine pronouncement, a declaration of His power that brings about the desired outcome—in David's case, dramatic deliverance and vindication. The voice of God is not merely sound; it is creative, destructive, and redemptive power in action.

#### Literary Devices
2 Samuel 22:14 is rich in literary devices that amplify its theological message and create a vivid portrayal of divine power. **Parallelism** is prominently featured, specifically **synonymous parallelism**, where "The LORD thundered from heaven" is echoed and reinforced by "and the most High uttered his voice." This technique not only adds poetic beauty and rhythm but also emphasizes the singular, unified nature of God's action, reiterating the same truth in different words to deepen its impact and underscore the certainty of His intervention. The verse also employs **Theophany** as a central motif, describing a divine manifestation through natural phenomena. The thunder and voice are not merely atmospheric events but direct, sensory evidence of God's active presence and intervention. This vivid imagery creates a profound sense of awe and dread, conveying the overwhelming power and majesty of God. Furthermore, there is an element of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like actions (uttering a voice) to God, though in a cosmic, transcendent sense. This makes the divine action relatable while simultaneously highlighting its immense scale, far beyond human comprehension. The overall effect is to portray God as an active, formidable, and utterly sovereign force in the universe, intervening decisively on behalf of His chosen one.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates the biblical truth of God's active sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It is a profound statement that the God of Israel is not a distant or passive deity, but one who actively intervenes in the course of history, wielding cosmic power to deliver His anointed and execute justice. The imagery of God thundering from heaven and uttering His voice connects to a broader biblical pattern of divine manifestation (theophany) that often accompanies significant moments of judgment, deliverance, and covenant renewal. It speaks to a God who is both majestic and intimately involved, whose power is absolute and whose faithfulness is steadfast, providing ultimate security and vindication for those who trust in Him amidst chaos and opposition. This divine voice is one that brings order out of chaos, light out of darkness, and salvation to those who call upon His name.

* [Exodus 19:16](/exodus/19-16 "Exodus 19:16 - God's Appearance at Mount Sinai")
* [Psalm 29:3](/psalm/29-3 "Psalm 29:3 - The Voice of the Lord")
* [Job 37:4](/job/37-4 "Job 37:4 - God's Thunderous Voice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Samuel 22:14 offers profound encouragement for believers today, reminding us that the God of the universe is not silent or inactive, but a powerful, present, and purposeful intervenor in our lives. In moments of overwhelming difficulty, when we feel surrounded by "enemies"—whether they be spiritual strongholds, personal struggles, or external opposition—this verse assures us that our deliverance does not depend on our strength or ingenuity, but on the mighty power of God. It calls us to cultivate a radical trust in His sovereignty, knowing that the same God who thundered from heaven for David is capable of orchestrating cosmic forces on our behalf. Our prayers are not uttered into an empty void; they reach the ears of the Most High, who responds with His authoritative voice and powerful intervention, always in His perfect timing and according to His wise, sovereign will. This truth invites us to lean into His presence, confident that He hears, He sees, and He acts, transforming our circumstances and revealing His glory even in the midst of our deepest trials.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of God "thundering from heaven" impact your understanding of His power and majesty, especially in contrast to human limitations?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to trust God for a "cosmic" intervention or deliverance that feels beyond your control?**
* **How does knowing God is "the Most High" and "the LORD" (Yahweh) shape your confidence in His ability to act on your behalf and fulfill His promises?**
* **What specific "voice" of God (through Scripture, prayer, or providential circumstances) might He be uttering in your life today, calling you to trust or obey?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of God "thundering from heaven" in biblical literature?**

Answer: The imagery of God "thundering from heaven" is a powerful biblical motif signifying a **theophany**—a visible or audible manifestation of God's presence. It often accompanies moments of divine intervention, judgment, or revelation. For example, at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God Appears at Mount Sinai"), God's presence was accompanied by thunder, lightning, and a trumpet blast, demonstrating His awe-inspiring power and holiness as He delivered the law. In [Psalm 29](/psalm/29 "Psalm 29 - The Voice of the Lord"), the "voice of the LORD" is repeatedly equated with the power of thunder, shattering cedars and shaking the wilderness. This imagery emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty over creation, His uncontainable power, and His active involvement in human affairs, particularly in bringing deliverance to His people and judgment upon their adversaries. It is a declaration that the Creator of the universe is not silent or passive but actively engaged, capable of disrupting the natural order to accomplish His will.

**How does 2 Samuel 22:14 relate to other passages describing God's voice?**

Answer: 2 Samuel 22:14 is part of a rich biblical tapestry that portrays God's voice as a source of immense power and authority. It directly parallels [Psalm 18:13](/psalm/18-13 "God's Thunderous Voice"), which uses nearly identical language. Throughout Scripture, God's voice is depicted as a force that creates ([Psalm 33:6](/psalm/33-6 "Creation by God's Word")), commands ([Genesis 1:3](/genesis/1-3 "God Speaks Creation")), judges ([Amos 1:2](/amos/1-2 "The Lord Roars from Zion")), and delivers ([Isaiah 30:30](/isaiah/30-30 "The Lord's Majestic Voice")). The thunderous nature of His voice in this verse highlights its overwhelming and irresistible quality, a sound that strikes fear into enemies and brings assurance to the righteous. It's a reminder that when God speaks, things happen, whether it's the calming of a storm, the defeat of an army, or the call to new life. His voice is always effectual and authoritative.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic imagery of God thundering from heaven and uttering His voice in 2 Samuel 22:14 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament depicts the voice of God as a cosmic, often terrifying force, the New Testament reveals this divine voice incarnated in the Son. Jesus is the very Word of God made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")), the ultimate manifestation of God's presence and power. His voice, though human, carried divine authority, commanding demons ([Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Jesus' Authority Over Unclean Spirits")), calming storms ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Jesus Calms the Storm")), raising the dead ([John 11:43](/john/11-43 "Jesus Raises Lazarus")), and ultimately, offering the words of eternal life ([John 6:68](/john/6-68 "Words of Eternal Life")). The deliverance David experienced through God's thunderous intervention foreshadows the supreme deliverance accomplished by Christ, who, through His sacrifice and resurrection, delivered humanity from the ultimate enemies of sin and death ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). Just as God's voice brought judgment upon David's foes, Christ's voice will one day summon all to judgment, and His powerful call will raise the dead ([John 5:28-29](/john/5-28-29 "The Resurrection of the Dead")), bringing about the final defeat of evil and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. The powerful, delivering voice of the Most High, once heard as thunder, is now fully and redemptively present in the person of Jesus, the Lamb who is also the Lion.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Job 37:2

Hear attentively the noise of his voice, and the sound [that] goeth out of his mouth.

Job 37:5

God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend.

Psalms 29:3

The voice of the LORD [is] upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD [is] upon many waters.

Psalms 29:9

The voice of the LORD maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of [his] glory.

1 Samuel 2:10

The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.

Job 40:9

Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou thunder with a voice like him?

Exodus 19:6

And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These [are] the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.