וכל העם רואים את הקולות ואת הלפידים (יתרו כ:טו)

After קבלת התורה receiving the Torah, the Yidden saw ”את הקולות ואת הלפידים” – the sounds and the flames, whereas before קבלת התורה, it says “ויהי קולות וברקים“ – there were sounds and lightning – there weren’t any flames, just lightning.  This is because, before Kabbalas HaTorah, the Yidden were on a level of “ברק” – lightning, which lights up momentarily.  It all changed after hearing the עשרת הדברות – the ten commandments; Yidden rose to the level of “לפידים” – torches that burn continuously and don’t become extinguished – a more exalted level.