The phrase "voice like the roar of many waters" is a vivid biblical metaphor used to describe the overwhelming and majestic sound associated with divine presence and authority. This imagery is primarily found in the apocalyptic literature of the Bible, where it serves to convey the power, majesty, and awe-inspiring nature of God's voice.

Biblical References:

1. Ezekiel 43:2 : "And I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east. His voice was like the roar of many waters, and the earth shone with His glory." In this passage, the prophet Ezekiel describes a vision of God's glory returning to the temple. The comparison of God's voice to the roar of many waters emphasizes the overwhelming power and authority of His presence, as well as the transformative impact of His glory on the earth.

2. Revelation 1:15 : "His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and His voice was like the roar of many waters." Here, the Apostle John describes the glorified Christ in his vision on the island of Patmos. The description of Christ's voice as the roar of many waters underscores His divine authority and the awe-inspiring nature of His revelation to John.

3. Revelation 14:2 : "And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder. The sound I heard was like harpists strumming their harps." In this passage, the sound from heaven is associated with the voice of God or the heavenly host, illustrating the combination of power and beauty in divine communication.

4. Revelation 19:6 : "And I heard a sound like the roar of a great multitude, like the rushing of many waters, and like a mighty rumbling of thunder, crying out: 'Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns.'" This verse captures the collective voice of a heavenly multitude praising God, likened to the sound of many waters, which signifies the overwhelming and majestic nature of divine worship.

Theological Significance:

The metaphor of a voice like the roar of many waters is rich in theological significance. It conveys the idea of God's voice as both powerful and majestic, capable of commanding attention and evoking reverence. The imagery of many waters suggests a sound that is both vast and encompassing, reflecting the omnipotence and omnipresence of God. This metaphor also highlights the transcendence of God, whose voice surpasses human understanding and evokes a sense of awe and wonder.

In the context of apocalyptic literature, this imagery serves to reassure believers of God's ultimate authority and control over creation. It emphasizes that God's voice, like the roar of many waters, is a force that cannot be ignored or resisted, underscoring His sovereignty and the certainty of His divine will being accomplished.

Symbolism in Worship and Revelation:

The use of this metaphor in worship and revelation contexts underscores the importance of recognizing God's voice as central to the life of faith. It calls believers to listen attentively to God's word, which is powerful and transformative. The imagery also serves as a reminder of the ultimate victory and reign of God, as depicted in the book of Revelation, where the voice like many waters heralds the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

Overall, the phrase "voice like the roar of many waters" encapsulates the awe-inspiring and authoritative nature of God's communication with humanity, inviting believers to respond with reverence, worship, and obedience.