An electrical discharge triggered by a buildup of static electricity. In the OT, this phenomenon is routinely associated with theophany (the appearance of God) in such events as the revelation at Mt. Sinai (Exod 19:16; Exod 20:18), and in Ezekiel’s inaugural vision (Ezek 1:13-14; Dan 10:6). Lightning is a mark of God’s wisdom as the creator and the giver of life (Ps 77:18; Ps 97:4; Jer 10:13; Jer 51:16; Job 28:26; Job 37:3; Job 38:25; Job 38:35). Lightning is also presented as one of the weapons God uses against earthly foes (2Sam 22:15; Neh 2:4) and the powers of chaos (Ps 18:14; Ps 77:18; Ps 144:6; Zech 9:14). In the NT, lightning is typically a feature of the end of the age (Matt 24:27; Luke 17:24; and esp. Rev 4:5). Only once is it used to refer to power other than that of God, when Jesus cryptically remarks, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning” (Luke 10:18; Isa 14:12-15; Rev 12:7-9).
