In King James Version, “I heard a great voice” stands for “a loud voice” in NIV. “This is the first great voice from the throne that they have encountered”, while the hearers will have by this time encountered a number of voices from heaven, and even a voice from the throne (19:5). In addition, loud voice indicates the importance of the words; it is an announcement with the heavenly authority. Harrington says that “it explains the significance of the vision”. It was in the third person talking about God, to confirm the relationship of the Lord with His people; He was dwelling among them. This is not new to John’s hearers, because they are already familiar with the language of “dwelling among them” in John 1:14. Again, the scene has come to the beginning, but in a new dimension; divine access is more immediate and direct. This is a fulfillment of the eschatological promises to those who come out of great tribulation; “will dwell upon them” (Rev. 7:15). At this point, the phrase “His people” expands to all nations from Israel. “It is difficult to imagine how the personal …show more content…
In His mind the End is decreed; in the chronicles of destiny, which He alone may dictate, the End is already written. Therefore, though on earth the conflict is still in front of men, its outcome is not in doubt: All is over! –even now, before it has begun, the bitter strife of the last days has ended, judgment has been done, righteousness has been rewarded and evil banished to its own dwelling-place”. It is done; this links to what Jesus said on the cross; it is finished! (John 19:30). “That was the beginning of new creation”, says