Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Revelation 4:5

"And out of the throne proceed lightnings and voices and thunders. And [there was] seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God;" — Revelation 4:5 (ASV)

“Flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder” coming from the throne symbolize God’s awesome presence and the vindication of the saints and occur with slight variation three more times in Revelation (8:5; 11:19; 16:18; cf. Exodus 19:16; Ezekiel 1:13; Psalms 18:13–15). On the expression “seven blazing lamps,” see comment on 1:4 (cf. Ezekiel 1:13).