A figure denoting both the loudness of the call and the awful majesty of the Lord when thus summoning His people to return. This roaring may also mean His authoritative commands to Israel’s enemies when God calls His people back from their captivity. The majestic and commanding voice of the Lord to those who work iniquity, although full of love (Rom. 2:4), is also full of solemn potentiality of judgment. God calls sinners not only to flee to His mercy but also to flee from the wrath to come (see Matt. 3:7, 8).