“And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of mighty ocean waves or the rolling of loud thunder. It was like the sound of many harpists playing together. This great choir sang a wonderful new song in front of the throne of God and before the four living beings and the twenty-four elders. No one could learn this song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.” Revelation 14:2-3
Standing on the mountain with Jesus the 144,000 will join in the heavenly song of redemption. With all the trouble they had faced, you might expect them to be too sorrowful to sing. However, they will joyously praise the Lord for their protection and triumph.
The voice John heard was very loud and continuous, like the waves of the ocean. “Suddenly, the glory of the God of Israel appeared from the east. The sound of his coming was like the roar of rushing waters, and the whole landscape shone with his glory.” (Ezekiel 43:2) The mighty voice was not mere noise. It had musical quality. The sound of the harp expressed their joy. “For the dedication of the new wall of Jerusalem, the Levites throughout the land were asked to come to Jerusalem to assist in the ceremonies. They were to take part in the joyous occasion with their songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps, and lyres.” (Nehemiah 12:27) “Praise the Lord with melodies on the lyre; make music for him on the ten-stringed harp.” (Psalm 33:2) The new song sung in heaven is a song of redemption. The angels will join the Old Testament saints, the raptured church, and the redeemed tribulation martyrs in praising God for salvation. All heaven will overflow with joy and praise because God’s redemptive work culminating in the return of Christ is accomplished.
“Heaven is not the place to learn that song; it must be learned on the earth. You must learn here the notes of free grace and dying love; and when you have mastered their melody, you will be able to offer to the Lord the tribute of a grateful heart, even in heaven, and blend it with the harmonies eternal.” (Spurgeon)