Lightning
“Flash, brightness”
Summary
The visible electrical discharge in the atmosphere, used throughout Scripture as a symbol of divine power, judgment, and glory.
☩Natural Phenomenon
Lightning is caused by the discharge of electricity between clouds or between clouds and earth, producing brilliant flashes and resulting thunder. Thunder-storms are common in Syria and Palestine during heavy rains in spring and fall, and are often severe. Lightning is usually accompanied by heavy rainfall or hail, as at the time of the plague in Egypt (Exodus 9:24). Travelers report that in Syria, lightning is frequent in autumnal months.
☩Symbol of Divine Power
Scripture uses lightning to represent God's awesome power and knowledge of nature's secrets: 'He made a way for the lightning' (Job 28:26); 'He directeth his lightning' (Job 37:3); 'Canst thou send forth lightnings?' (Job 38:35). The terrors of divine wrath are represented by thunder and lightning (Psalm 18:14; 97:4; 135:7; 144:6). Thunder is called 'the voice of the Lord' because of its profound impact on human consciousness.
☩Apocalyptic Imagery
In apocalyptic visions, lightning proceeds from God's throne as representations of His glory and judgment (Revelation 4:5; 8:5; 11:19; 16:18). Jesus compared His return to lightning flashing from east to west—visible everywhere and unmistakably manifest (Matthew 24:27; Luke 17:24). He also described Satan's fall 'as lightning from heaven' (Luke 10:18). The angel at Christ's tomb had an appearance 'as lightning,' signifying dazzling brightness (Matthew 28:3).
Related Verses28 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Lightning," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. V (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Lightning," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).