219. 'Jehovah God's voice going to and fro in the garden' means a dictate which filled them with fear. This becomes clear from the meaning of 'voice' in the Word where 'Jehovah's voice' stands for the Word itself, for the doctrine of faith, for conscience, which is inward mindfulness, and also for every expression of disapproval resulting from these. This also is why thunderbolts are called 'Jehovah's voices', as in John,
Then the angel called out with a loud voice, like a lion roaring; and when he called out seven thunders sounded their voices. Rev 10:3, 4.
This stands for the voice at that time being both external and internal. In the same book,
In the days of the voice of the seventh angel the mystery of God was fulfilled. Rev 10:7.
Here the meaning is similar. In David,
Sing to God, make melody to the Lord who rides above the heavens of heavens of old. Behold, He will put forth His voice, a mighty voice. Ps 68:32, 33.
'The heavens of heavens of old' stands for the wisdom of the Most Ancient Church. 'Voice' stands for revelation and also for an inner dictate. In the same author, The voice of Jehovah is upon the waters; the voice of Jehovah is powerful; the voice of Jehovah is glorious; the voice of Jehovah breaks the cedars; the voice of Jehovah flashes forth flames of fire; the voice of Jehovah causes the wilderness to shake; the voice of Jehovah causes the hinds to calve, and strips the forests bare. Ps 29:3-5, 7-9.
And in Isaiah,
Jehovah will cause the excellence of His voice to be heard, for Asshur will be dismayed by the voice of Jehovah. Isa 30:30, 31.
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