When the 70 came back to Jesus they were excited to report to Him that they had even found that the demons had to obey them in Jesus' name. Jesus appears to affirm their account by saying the following:

> 
> And He said to them, “I was watching Satan **fall from heaven like lightning**." ***[--Luke 10:18](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2010:18&version=NASB)***
> 
> 
> 

I'm wondering what the background of this phrase is? Is this a reference to a passage in the Old Testament? Was it a common saying in Jewish culture? If so, what did it mean? Is it related to their view of the mechanics of lightning?

I'm looking for an answer with good sources from either 1st century Jewish literature or ancient Jewish literature.