Baraq (verb) means to flash, gleam, or lighten. The related noun baraq (H1300) means lightning. Lightning in the Old Testament is consistently associated with divine theophanies — God's visible, awe-inspiring presence. It also describes the gleam of polished weapons.
Lightning as divine manifestation runs from Sinai (Exodus 19:16) through the Psalms (Psalm 18:14; 77:18) to Revelation (4:5; 8:5). When God 'sends out' His lightning, it is an act of power, judgment, and revelation. The name Barak (the Israelite judge) means lightning — perhaps capturing the swift, overwhelming force of a warrior sent by God. In Jesus' words, 'I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven' (Luke 10:18), the imagery connects divine power with the defeat of evil. The Second Coming is described as lightning flashing from east to west (Matthew 24:27).