Definition and Description:

Thunder-flames, a term not explicitly found in the Bible, can be understood as a phenomenon where thunder and fire are closely associated, often symbolizing the presence and power of God. This concept is derived from various biblical passages where thunder and fire appear together, representing divine revelation, judgment, or theophany.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 19:16-19 : "On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled. Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Mount Sinai was covered with smoke because the LORD descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, and the whole mountain trembled violently. As the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him."

· In this passage, the presence of God on Mount Sinai is accompanied by thunder and fire, signifying His majesty and the seriousness of the covenant being established with Israel.

2. 1 Samuel 7:10 : "As Samuel was offering the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to fight against Israel. But that day the LORD thundered loudly against the Philistines and threw them into such confusion that they fled before Israel."

· Here, the thunder of the Lord acts as a divine intervention, demonstrating His power to protect and deliver His people from their enemies.

3. Psalm 18:13-14 : "The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded—hailstones and coals of fire. He shot His arrows and scattered the foes; He hurled lightning and routed them."

· This psalm of David describes God’s deliverance through a vivid depiction of a storm, where thunder and fire (lightning) are instruments of His judgment against the wicked.

4. Revelation 4:5 : "From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings, and peals of thunder. Before the throne burned seven lamps of fire. These are the seven Spirits of God."

· In the apocalyptic vision of John, the throne of God is surrounded by thunder and fire, symbolizing His omnipotence and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Theological Significance:

Thunder-flames in the Bible often signify the awe-inspiring and fearsome presence of God. They serve as a reminder of His holiness, power, and authority over creation. The combination of thunder and fire is frequently associated with divine communication, whether through the giving of the Law, prophetic revelation, or acts of judgment.

Symbolism and Imagery:

The imagery of thunder-flames evokes a sense of both fear and reverence. Thunder, with its loud and overwhelming sound, represents the voice of God, while fire symbolizes purification, judgment, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Together, they convey the dual aspects of God's nature—His justice and His mercy.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, thunder and fire were often associated with deities and seen as manifestations of divine power. The biblical narrative appropriates these elements to affirm the sovereignty of Yahweh, the God of Israel, over all other gods and natural forces.

Practical Application:

For believers, the concept of thunder-flames serves as a powerful reminder of God's majesty and the seriousness of His commands. It encourages a posture of humility and reverence in worship and obedience, recognizing that the same God who speaks through thunder and fire is also the one who offers grace and redemption through Jesus Christ.Thunder-flames (8 Occurrences)

Job 28:26
When he made a law for the rain, and a way for the thunder-flames;
(BBE)

Job 37:4
After it a voice is sounding, thundering out the word of his power; he does not keep back his thunder-flames; from his mouth his voice is sounding.
(BBE)

Job 38:35
Do you send out the thunder-flames, so that they may go, and say to you, Here we are?
(BBE)

Psalms 135:7
He makes the mists go up from the ends of the earth; he makes thunder-flames for the rain; he sends out the winds from his store-houses.
(BBE)

Jeremiah 10:13
At the sound of his voice there is a massing of waters in the heavens, and he makes the mists go up from the ends of the earth; he makes the thunder-flames for the rain, and sends out the wind from his store-houses.
(BBE)

Jeremiah 51:16
At the sound of his voice there is a massing of the waters in the heavens, and he makes the mists go up from the ends of the earth; he makes the thunder-flames for the rain and sends out the wind from his store-houses.
(BBE)

Nahum 2:4
The war-carriages are rushing through the streets, pushing against one another in the wide ways, looking like burning lights, running like thunder-flames.
(BBE)

Zechariah 10:1
Make your request to the Lord for rain in the time of the spring rains, even to the Lord who makes the thunder-flames; and he will give them showers of rain, to every man grass in the field.
(BBE)

Thunder-flames (8 Occurrences)
Thunder-flames. Thunder-flame, Thunder-flames. Thundering .
Multi-Version Concordance Thunder-flames (8 Occurrences). ...
/t/thunder-flames.htm - 8k

Mists (6 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Psalms 135:7 He makes the mists go up from the ends of the earth; he
makes thunder-flames for the rain; he sends out the winds from his store-houses. ...
/m/mists.htm - 8k

Thundering (16 Occurrences)
... Job 37:4 After it a voice is sounding, thundering out the word of his power; he
does not keep back his thunder-flames; from his mouth his voice is sounding. ...
/t/thundering.htm - 11k

Storehouses (23 Occurrences)
... Psalms 135:7 He makes the mists go up from the ends of the earth; he makes
thunder-flames for the rain; he sends out the winds from his store-houses. ...
/s/storehouses.htm - 15k

Store-houses (32 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Psalms 135:7 He makes the mists go up from the ends of the earth; he makes
thunder-flames for the rain; he sends out the winds from his store-houses. ...
/s/store-houses.htm - 16k

Massing (6 Occurrences)
... sound of his voice there is a massing of waters in the heavens, and he makes the
mists go up from the ends of the earth; he makes the thunder-flames for the ...
/m/massing.htm - 8k

Mist (17 Occurrences)
... sound of his voice there is a massing of waters in the heavens, and he makes the
mists go up from the ends of the earth; he makes the thunder-flames for the ...
/m/mist.htm - 12k

Sends (94 Occurrences)
... Psalms 135:7 He makes the mists go up from the ends of the earth; he makes
thunder-flames for the rain; he sends out the winds from his store-houses. (BBE ...
/s/sends.htm - 32k

Flashes (16 Occurrences)
... 2:4 The war-carriages are rushing through the streets, pushing against one another
in the wide ways, looking like burning lights, running like thunder-flames. ...
/f/flashes.htm - 11k

Thunder-flame (6 Occurrences)
Thunder-flame. Thundereth, Thunder-flame. Thunder-flames . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (BBE). Thundereth, Thunder-flame. Thunder-flames . Reference Bible
/t/thunder-flame.htm - 8k

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