Bible Dictionary
Lightning
Lightning displays the power and majesty of God and is often associated with His judgment. Scripture also uses it figuratively for brightness, speed, and the sudden universal manifestation of Christ’s kingdom.
Definition
Lightning is the brilliant discharge of electricity between clouds or between clouds and the earth. In biblical language it is a sign of power, brightness, speed, majesty, and judgment.
Biblical Usage
Thunder and lightning signify God’s wrath and glorious majesty. Scripture compares swift chariots and arrows to lightning, describes visionary beings and faces by its brightness, and uses it for the sudden universal manifestation of the coming kingdom.
Historical Background
Thunderstorms are common in Syria and Palestine during the spring and autumn rains and may be accompanied by heavy rain or hail.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Frequently referred to by the sacred writers (Nah. 1:3-6). Thunder and lightning are spoken of as tokens of God’s wrath (2 Sam. 22:15; Job 28:26; 37:4; Ps. 135:7; 144:6; Zech. 9:14). They represent God’s glorious and awful majesty (Rev. 4:5), or some judgment of God on the world (20:9).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>lit'-ning (baraq, chaziz; astrape): Lightning is caused by the discharge of electricity between clouds or between clouds and the earth. In a thunder-storm there is a rapid gathering of particles of moisture into clouds and forming of large drops of rain. This gathers with it electric potential until the surface of the cloud (or the enlarged water particles) is insufficient to carry the charge, and a discharge takes place, producing a brilliant flash of light and the resulting thunder-clap. Thunder-storms are common in Syria and Palestine during the periods of heavy rain in the spring and fall and are often severe. Lightning is usually accompanied by heavy rainfall or by hail, as at the time of the plague of hail (Ex 9:24).</p><p>See HAIL.</p><p>In the Scriptures it is used:</p><p>(a) indicating the power of God: The power of God is shown in His command of the forces of Nature, and He is the only one who knows the secrets of Nature: "He made .... a way for the lightning" (Job 28:26); "He directeth .... his lightning" (Job 37:3 the King James Version); "Canst thou send forth lightnings, that they may go?" (Job 38:35); "Ask ye of Yahweh .... that maketh lightnings" (Zec 10:1). See also Ps 18:14; 97:4; 135:7; Job 36:32; Jer 10:13;</p><p>(b) figuratively and poetically: David sings of Yahweh, "He sent .... lightnings manifold, and discomfited them" (Ps 18:14); used for speed: "The chariots .... run like the lightnings" (Na 2:4): "His arrow shall go forth as the lightning" (Zec 9:14); "The living creatures ran and returned as the appearance of a flash of lightning" (Eze 1:14). The coming of the kingdom is described by Jesus as the shining of the lightning from one part of heaven to another, even "from the east unto the west" (Mt 24:27; Lu 17:24);</p><p>(c) meaning bright or shining: Daniel in his vision saw a man and "his face (was) as the appearance of lightning" (Da 10:6). See also Re 4:5; 8:5; 16:18.</p><p>Alfred H. Joy</p>