Revelation 10:3

Then he cried out in a loud voice like the roar of a lion. And when he cried out, the seven thunders sounded their voices.

Study Bible

Then he cried out in a loud voice
The imagery of a loud voice is often used in Scripture to denote authority and power. In the context of Revelation, this loud voice signifies a divine message that demands attention. The angel's cry echoes the proclamations of the prophets in the Old Testament, such as the voice of God at Sinai (Exodus 19:19) and the calls of the prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah. This loud voice is a call to heed the message that follows, emphasizing its importance and urgency.

like the roar of a lion.
The comparison to a lion's roar suggests majesty, strength, and authority. In biblical symbolism, the lion is often associated with the tribe of Judah and, by extension, Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" (Revelation 5:5). The roar of a lion can also symbolize the fearsome and awe-inspiring nature of God's voice, as seen in Amos 3:8, where the lion's roar is linked to the prophetic voice of God. This imagery underscores the power and sovereignty of the message being delivered.

And when he cried out,
The repetition of the cry emphasizes the significance of the message. It indicates a moment of divine revelation that is about to unfold. This phrase sets the stage for the subsequent events, highlighting the connection between the angel's proclamation and the response it elicits from the heavenly realm.

the seven thunders sounded their voices.
The seven thunders are a mysterious element in the book of Revelation. The number seven often represents completeness or perfection in biblical literature, suggesting that these thunders convey a complete or perfect message from God. The thunders' voices may symbolize divine judgment or revelation, akin to the voice of God in Psalm 29, which is described as powerful and majestic. The fact that their message is not recorded (as seen in the following verses) adds to the mystery and suggests that some aspects of God's plan remain hidden from human understanding. This aligns with the theme of divine mystery and the unfolding of God's ultimate purposes throughout Revelation.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Mighty Angel
This figure is described earlier in Revelation 10:1 as a powerful angel coming down from heaven, clothed in a cloud with a rainbow above his head. His appearance and actions signify authority and divine message.

2. The Roar of a Lion
The angel's loud voice is compared to a lion's roar, symbolizing strength, authority, and the power of God's word. In biblical symbolism, a lion often represents majesty and might.

3. The Seven Thunders
These are mysterious voices that respond to the angel's cry. Their exact message is not revealed in the text, indicating a divine mystery that is not meant to be disclosed at this time.

Teaching Points

The Authority of God's Word
The angel's voice, like a lion's roar, reminds us of the power and authority of God's word. We should approach Scripture with reverence and a readiness to obey.

The Mystery of God's Plan
The seven thunders represent aspects of God's plan that are not yet revealed. This teaches us to trust in God's wisdom and timing, even when we do not understand everything.

The Call to Listen and Respond
Just as the thunders responded to the angel's cry, we are called to listen and respond to God's voice in our lives. This requires attentiveness and a willingness to act.

The Majesty of God's Revelation
The imagery of the lion's roar and thunders highlights the majesty and awe of God's revelation. We should cultivate a sense of wonder and worship in our relationship with God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of a lion's roar in Revelation 10:3 enhance your understanding of the authority of God's word?

2. In what ways can we cultivate a sense of reverence and readiness to obey God's word in our daily lives?

3. How do the seven thunders in Revelation 10:3 challenge us to trust in God's plan, even when it is not fully revealed to us?

4. Reflect on a time when you felt God was speaking to you. How did you respond, and what can you learn from that experience in light of this passage?

5. How can the connection between Revelation 10:3 and other scriptures about God's voice (e.g., Amos 3:8, Psalm 29) deepen your understanding of His majesty and power?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Amos 3:8
This verse speaks of the lion's roar and the fear it instills, paralleling the authority and power of God's voice as depicted in Revelation 10:3.

Psalm 29:3-9
This passage describes the voice of the Lord as powerful and majestic, similar to the thundering voices in Revelation 10:3.

Hosea 11:10
Here, God's voice is likened to a lion's roar, drawing His people to Him, which connects to the authoritative call of the angel in Revelation.