Revelation 4:5

The lightning and thunder are evidently portents of judgment to come and symbolize God judging (Revelation 8:5; Revelation 11:19; Revelation 16:18; cf. Exodus 19:16).

"In Revelation the symbols of thunder and lightning are always connected with a temple scene and mark an event of unusual import." [Note: Mounce, p. 136.]

The wrath of God proceeds from this throne. The seven burning lamps (or torches, Gr. lampades, cf. lychniai, "lampstands," Revelation 1:12; Revelation 1:20) probably picture divine preparedness for battle against wickedness (cf. Judges 7:16; Judges 7:20; Nahum 2:3-4; Isaiah 4:4; Zechariah 4:2-3; Zechariah 4:6; Zechariah 4:10; Malachi 4:1). [Note: Seiss, p. 103.] The seven spirits of God (perhaps the seven principal angels of God, cf. Revelation 1:4; Revelation 3:1) will carry out this judgment. The picture is of these torches ready to go from God’s presence to the earth where they will consume wickedness during the Tribulation.