Heaven to earth

The list “lightning, sounds, thunder” frames the “seal” section of Revelation, occurring in both 4:5 and in 8:5. Plus, there is a reference to fire in both 4:5 and 8:5. Though the phrase is repeated here, there is also a progression. In 4:5, the lightning, voices, and thunder is from the throne, and is evident only in heaven. But in 8:5, the angel throws fire from the heavenly altar onto the earth, and the thunder, voices, lightning occur on earth, and are joined to an earthquake. The beginning and end of the section, in other words, moves from heaven to earth, and shows that the activities of heaven have their effect on the earth. The lightning and thunder of heaven are echoed in the history of the nations on earth, and when the heavenly lightning and thunder falls to earth, the earth shakes.

The same furniture and characters appear at the beginning and end of the passage. While John watches the elders and the living creatures in chapter 4, they engage in a worship service, praising the Lord God, the Almighty, casting crowns before the throne, and prostrating to worship Him. At the end of the section, we have another worship service, with songs (using the same words as chapters 4-5: doxa, 4:9, 11; 5:12-13; 7:12; time in the same verses; eucharistia , 4:9; 7:12), and prostrations before the throne of God (7:11). Again, however, there is a progression, with an innumerable multitude now joining the heavenly assembly.

We see open exchange between heaven and earth: Prayers go to heaven, and the lightning and thunder of heaven fall to earth. Martyrdom on earth elevates saints to heaven, where they join the elders and living creatures.