1. Revelation 4:5 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What are the seven torches of fire burning before God’s throne?

Revelation 4:5 (ESV)

5 From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God,

John himself says that they are the seven spirits of God, which stands for the fullness of the Holy Spirit (see on Revelation 1:4). That the Spirit is described as torches of fire makes the message clear: even the creatures of heaven need to keep back, and watch out for this God! (Recall Hebrews 12:29.) At the same time, his work through his Spirit is effective.