Out of the throne proceed lightnings, sounds, and thunders. There were seven lamps of fire burning before his throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 5. Lightnings, a symbol of God’s majesty and power.—Seven lamps burning, which signified the seven spirits of God, the chief spirits that attend his throne. See Calmet. 1:4. Witham.—The lightnings, loud voices, and thunders, which come from the throne of God, announce alarms and severe hardships, such as persecutions, heresies, calamities, and so forth by which he tries the fidelity of his servants on earth. And the seven spirits of God, who appear under the form of burning lamps, are seven Angels, as before mention, (Calmet. 1:4) standing ready to execute the divine commands. Walmesley.