Does God Ever Raise His Voice?

When we consider how God communicates with believers, we often think of Elijah. God spoke to him using “a still small voice” (I Kings 19:12).

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is also typically portrayed as soft spoken, a “perfect gentleman.”

The question then arises: Does God ever speak to His followers in a strong or loud voice?

The answer is an emphatic yes. However, this does not necessarily involve audible decibels.

For God speaks primarily in a silent manner to the believer through His Word.

There are, however, certain aspects of His Word where God can be said “to shout at the believer.”

One of these ways is through the use of companion verses.

Companion verses are verses in Scripture that have the same or a corresponding message in both Testaments. A New Testament verse may have a corresponding verse in the Old Testament. This attests to the significance of the concept found within the verses.

Companion Verses: When God “Shouts” Through His Word

Companion verses are God’s way of shouting to the careful student of His Word: “Hey, PAY ATTENTION TO THIS, FOR THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!”

For example, God often allows sin to come to its full fruition before He judges it. He attests to this fact in both Testaments (Genesis 15:16, Revelation 14:18).

God wants believers to understand how important they are to Him. He informs them in both Testaments that everything occurring in the Universe is ultimately done for their sake and benefit (Psalm 57:2, II Corinthians 4:15).

God also informs the believer that the 2nd Person of the Trinity, the Pre-Incarnate Jesus Christ, was the primary representative of the Godhead in the Old Testament. He employs companion verses in both Testaments to attest to this fact: “In the volume of the book it is written of me” (Psalm 40:7, Hebrews 10:7).

What Are the Weightier Matters of the Law?

One verse in Scripture that appears to carry significant ramifications is Matthew 23:23.

Here Jesus chastises the scribes and Pharisees for ignoring the most important aspects of Scripture. He calls them “…the weightier matters of the Law: Judgment, Mercy, and Faith …”

This raises two important questions. Would it be fruitful to understand the significance of this theological trilogy of Judgment, Mercy, and Faith? Is there an Old Testament companion verse that attests to the special significance of Matthew 23:23?

The answer to both parts of this question is a definite “YES”!

Matthew 23:23, Micah 6:8, and Zechariah 7:9–11

Through further study and analysis, we find an outline for the believer’s walk through this world in Matthew 23:23. In the Old Testament, we also find not just one companion verse, but two (Micah 6:8, Zechariah 7:9-11).

In Micah 6:8, we find the “daily walk” aspect of Faith emphasized (Romans 1:17). In Zechariah 7:11, we find the “daily study” facet of Faith affirmed (Romans 10:17).

This of course further attests to the importance of Matthew 23:23.

Related Studies from Paradigms Tossed

Continue exploring how God reveals truth through His Word and how important biblical themes are repeated throughout Scripture:

The Foundation of Christian Theology: Understanding Judgment, Mercy, Faith, and God’s Purpose for Man
This study examines the “weightier matters” of Scripture—judgment, mercy, and faith—and how these foundational truths shape the believer’s understanding of God.

2030 Prophetic Time Table 5 – The Examination of the Passover Lamb
Explore the relationship between Old and New Testament passages concerning Jesus Christ, including His identity as the pre-incarnate Jehovah of the Old Testament.

Moses as a Type of Christ: Biblical Prophecy, the Rapture, and the Second Coming
This study shows how Old Testament people and events can foreshadow New Testament truths concerning Jesus Christ and illustrates the unity of Scripture.

God Knows the Future: Trusting Him Through Life’s Trials
A study of God’s Word as the believer’s source of guidance, assurance, and understanding when the future is uncertain.

Is Jesus Jehovah of the Old Testament?
Examine the biblical connections between Jesus Christ and the God revealed throughout the Old Testament, including passages concerning the pre-incarnate Christ.