spoken of in the singular number, as if there were only one remaining.
219. That by the "voice of Jehovah God going to itself in the garden," is meant an internal dictate of which they were afraid, is evident from the signification of "voice" in the Word, where the "voice of Jehovah" is used to designate the Word itself, the doctrine of faith, conscience or a taking notice inwardly, and also every reproof thence resulting; whence it is that thunders are called the "voices of Jehovah," as in John:—
The angel cried with a loud voice, as a lion roareth, and when he had cried seven thunders uttered their voices (Rev. x. 3),
denoting that there was then a voice both external and internal. Again:
In the days of the voice of the seventh angel the mystery of God shall be consummated (Rev. x. 7).
In David:—
Sing unto God, sing praises unto the Lord, who rideth upon the heavens of heavens which were of old; lo, He shall send out His voice, a voice of strength (Ps. lxviii. 32, 33).
The "heavens of heavens which were of old," denote the wisdom of the Most Ancient Church; "voice," revelation, and also an internal dictate. Again:—
The voice of Jehovah is upon the waters; the voice of Jehovah is in power; the voice of Jehovah is in glory; the voice of Jehovah breaketh the cedars; the voice of Jehovah divideth the flames of fire; the voice of Jehovah maketh the wilderness to shake; the voice of Jehovah maketh the hinds to calve, and uncovereth the forests (Ps. xxix. 3-5 and 7-9).
And in Isaiah:—
Jehovah shall cause the excellency of His voice to be heard, for through the voice of Jehovah shall Asshur be beaten down (xxx. 30, 31).
220. By the "voice going to itself," is meant that there was but little perception remaining, and that alone as it were by itself and unheard, as is manifest also from the following verse where it is said, "Jehovah called to the man." So in Isaiah:—
The voice of one crying in the wilderness; the voice said, Cry (xl. 3 and 6).
