296. 'And I heard one of the four animals saying as with a voice of thunder' signifies in accordance with the Divine Truth of the Word. That by 'the four animals' or cherubs is understood the Word may be seen above (n. 239, 275, 286); and by 'a voice of thunder' the perception of Divine Truth (n. 236). 'A voice of thunder' is said here because by this 'animal' is understood the lion, by which the Divine Truth of the Word as to power is signified (n. 241). This is why this animal is said to have spoken 'as with a voice of thunder', for afterwards it is said that the second animal spoke, then the third, and the fourth.