These same manifestations of power and might were present at Mount Sinai when God revealed himself to his people (Exodus 19:16). His point at that time with the thunder and lightning was to impress on his people that they were to take his majesty very seriously; approaching him was dangerous (Exodus 19:21–22; see further Hebrews 12:29). That same majesty continues to characterize God even in heaven. Kings on earth have their armies and tanks and fighter jets and bombs to accent their power and enforce their will, but the God of heaven has his own creation at his disposal (Revelation 6:1–17; Revelation 8:1–13).
5 From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God,