Lightnings, Thunderings, Voices and Seven Lamps Revelation 4:5

John the apostle “was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald”, and he added, “and round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.” In chapter four and verse five of Revelation John saw and heard “lightnings, thunderings, voices and seven lamps” where we read:

And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

The verse reads, “And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices:” John began with the words, “and out of the throne” which means “and away from the chair of state having a footstool which was assigned to kings and therefore showing kingly power or royalty” “proceeded lightnings” or “departed, issued, proceeded and flowed forth the gleam of a lamp and glare and bright shining” “and thunderings” or “roaring thunder” “and voices” which refers to “sounds, tones, languages, and tongues of uttered words”. As John viewed the “throne of God”, he observed the “lightning, thunder and voices” coming from it.

The verse goes on to say, “and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.” John added the words, ““and there were seven lamps” which means “there were present seven torches or lamps with flames” “of fire” which means “pertaining to lightning” “burning” or “set and consumed with fire” “before the throne” or “in the presence and in front of the chair of state having a footstool which was assigned to kings and therefore showing kingly power or royalty”, “which are the seven Spirits” which refers to “that are the seven ways which emphasizes personality and character” “of God” which means “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit”. John also saw the “seven fiery lamps” before God's “throne” as well as the “seven Spirits” of His character.

When we think through John's words in this verse, we come alongside him in heaven as he sees the “lightnings, thunders, voices, seven lamps and seven Spirits” of God proceeding from the Almighty's “throne”. This ominous sight, viewed by John, gives everyone who has a relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ a preview of what heaven is like. God wants everyone to go to heaven, and when they “repent of their sins, ask God for forgiveness and receive Jesus as their “Savior and Lord”, they shall not only appear before God but also enter into rest with Him. May all who read these words consider John's glorious sights in heaven and realize they await everyone who receives Jesus as Lord.

Next time we see how John saw, “before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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