Albert Barnes Commentary Revelation 14:2

"And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and the voice which I heard [was] as [the voice] of harpers harping with their harps:" — Revelation 14:2 (ASV)

And I heard a voice from heaven. This shows that the scene is set in heaven, but that John, in the vision, was on the earth.

As the voice of many waters. This was like the sound of the ocean, or of a mighty waterfall. That is, it was so loud that it could be heard from heaven to earth. No comparison could express this more sublimely than to say that it was like the roar of the ocean.

As the voice of a great thunder. This was like the loud sound of thunder.

And I heard the voice of harpers. This refers to harpers in heaven, where the song of redemption is accompanied by strains of sweet instrumental music. For a description of the harp, see Barnes on Isaiah 5:12.

Harping with their harps. This means playing on their harps. This image adds new beauty to the description.

Although the sound was loud and swelling, so loud that it could be heard on the earth, yet it was not mere shouting or merely a tumultuous cry. It was "like the sweetness of symphonious harps."

The music of heaven, though elevated and joyous, is sweet and harmonious; and perhaps one of the best representations of heaven on earth is the effect produced on the soul by strains of sweet and solemn music.