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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Genesis 9:12–17.
Articles of agreement among men are usually sealed, that the covenants may be the more solemn, and the performances of the covenants the more sure, to mutual satisfaction. God therefore, being willing more abundantly to show to the heirs of promise the immutability of his councils, has confirmed his covenant by a seal (Heb 6:17), which makes the foundations we build on stand sure, Ti2 2:19. The seal of this covenant of nature was natural enough; it was the rainbow, which, it is likely, was seen in the clouds before, when second causes concurred, but was never a seal of the covenant till now that it was made so by a divine institution. Now, concerning this seal of the covenant, observe, 1. This seal is affixed with repeated assurances of the truth of that promise of which it was designed to be the ratification: I do set my bow in the cloud (Gen 9:23); it shall be seen in the cloud (Gen 9:14), that the eye may affect the heart and confirm the faith; and it shall be the token of the covenant (Gen 9:12, Gen 9:13), and I will remember my covenant, that the waters shall no more become a flood, Gen 9:15. Nay, as if the Eternal Mind needed a memorandum, I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant, Gen 9:16. Thus here is line upon line, that we might have sure and strong consolation who have laid hold of this hope. 2. The rainbow appears when the clouds are most disposed to wet, and returns after the rain; when we have most reason to fear the rain prevailing, then God shows this seal of the promise that it shall not prevail. Thus God obviates our fears with such encouragements as are both suitable and seasonable. 3. The thicker the cloud the brighter the bow in the cloud. Thus, as threatening afflictions abound, encouraging consolations much more abound, Co2 1:5. 4. The rainbow appears when one part of the sky is clear, which intimates mercy remembered in the midst of wrath; and the clouds are hemmed as it were with the rainbow, that they may not overspread the heavens, for the bow is coloured rain or the edges of a cloud gilded. 5. The rainbow is the reflection of the beams of the sun, which intimates that all the glory and significancy of the seals of the covenant are derived from Christ the Sun of righteousness, who is also described with a rainbow about his throne (Rev 4:3), and a rainbow upon his head (Rev 10:1), which intimates, not only his majesty, but his mediatorship. 6. The rainbow has fiery colours in it, to signify that though God will not again drown the world, yet, when the mystery of God shall be finished, the world shall be consumed by fire. 7. A bow bespeaks terror, but this bow has neither string nor arrow, as the bow ordained against the persecutors has (Psa 7:12, Psa 7:13), and a bow alone will do little execution. It is a bow, but it is directed upwards, not towards the earth; for the seals of the covenant were intended to comfort, not to terrify. 8. As God looks upon the bow, that he may remember the covenant, so should we, that we also may be ever mindful of the covenant, with faith and thankfulness.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
After these things God made a covenant with Noah and with all those who came out of the ark with him, saying, “All flesh shall never again perish in the waters of a flood. I will set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the eternal covenant between God and all flesh that is on the earth.”
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Summary
Genesis 9:12 formally introduces the Noahic Covenant, a profound and unilateral divine promise initiated by God to Noah, his family, and all living creatures after the cataclysmic Great Flood. This pivotal verse declares the establishment of a visible "token" or sign of this solemn agreement, guaranteeing its enduring nature for "perpetual generations" and assuring the continuity of life on Earth through God's unwavering faithfulness and commitment to His creation.
Context
Literary Context
Genesis 9:12 is strategically positioned immediately following the global judgment of the Great Flood and Noah's subsequent exit from the ark. The preceding verses (Genesis 8:20-22) describe Noah's first act upon disembarking: building an altar and offering sacrifices to the Lord, which God found pleasing. In response, God declares in His heart that He will never again curse the ground or strike down every living thing as He had done. This sets the stage for the formal declaration of the covenant in Genesis 9. Chapters 9:1-7 detail God's blessing upon Noah and his sons, reiterating the creation mandate to "be fruitful and multiply" and establishing new dietary laws and the sanctity of human life. Genesis 9:8-11 then explicitly states God's intention to establish a covenant with Noah and all future generations, including every living creature. Verse 12 serves as the formal introduction to the "token" of this covenant, which is then explicitly identified as the rainbow in Genesis 9:13. This sequence highlights a profound theological shift from divine judgment to divine promise and preservation, establishing a new foundation for humanity's existence on Earth.
Historical & Cultural Context
In the ancient Near East, covenants were foundational to social, political, and religious life, often involving solemn oaths, rituals (like cutting animals in two, as seen in Genesis 15:9-18), and visible signs or memorials. These agreements could be parity treaties between equals or suzerainty treaties between a powerful king (suzerain) and a lesser vassal. The Noahic Covenant, however, is unique in its unilateral nature; God, the supreme Suzerain, initiates it without any prerequisite human action or obligation, making it a covenant of pure grace. The concept of a "sign" (Hebrew: 'oth) was also crucial, serving as a tangible reminder or guarantee of the agreement. For instance, circumcision would later become the sign of the Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 17:11). The post-Flood world, devastated and depopulated, required a new assurance from its Creator, and this covenant provided the stability necessary for life to flourish once more.
Key Themes
Genesis 9:12 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Initiative, as God alone initiates and establishes this covenant, demonstrating His absolute control over creation and His benevolent purposes. Secondly, it highlights God's Unwavering Faithfulness and Grace, providing an unconditional promise that transcends human merit or failure, assuring the continuity of the natural order despite humanity's propensity for sin (Genesis 8:21). Thirdly, the covenant's universal scope, encompassing "every living creature," emphasizes the Universality of God's Care and Providence, extending His benevolent oversight to all forms of life. Finally, it marks a crucial Shift from Judgment to Preservation, establishing a new era of divine patience and long-suffering, which sets the stage for God's redemptive plan to unfold through subsequent covenants, such as the Abrahamic Covenant beginning in Genesis 12.
Exposition and Analysis
Genesis 9:12 introduces God's declaration of a new, foundational covenant following the Great Flood, stating, "And God said, This [is] the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that [is] with you, for perpetual generations." This verse establishes the framework for God's renewed relationship with His creation, emphasizing His initiative and the covenant's enduring nature.
Key Word Analysis
This word, derived from a root meaning "to appear," signifies a signal, mark, or sign. It is a visible representation that serves as a guarantee, a memorial, or an evidence of an agreement or event. In this context, the "token" is not merely symbolic but acts as a divine assurance of God's commitment. While not explicitly named in this verse, Genesis 9:13 immediately identifies it as the rainbow, a tangible sign of an invisible, divine promise.
This term denotes a solemn, binding agreement or compact. Its root suggests "cutting," alluding to ancient covenant-making rituals where animals were cut in two, and parties would pass between the pieces, symbolizing the dire consequences of breaking the agreement. Here, it refers to the Noahic Covenant, a unilateral agreement initiated entirely by God. Unlike conditional covenants that depend on human obedience, this bᵉrîyth is an unconditional promise from God, assuring that a global flood will never again destroy all life on Earth. It underscores God's mercy and steadfast commitment to His creation.
This word, often translated as "eternal," "everlasting," or "of old," properly refers to a concealed or vanishing point in time, implying time out of mind—both past and future. When used with "generations," it signifies an unending duration, extending indefinitely through all of history. Its inclusion here emphasizes the eternal and unending nature of this divine promise, providing enduring stability and assurance for the natural order and reinforcing God's unchanging character and His unwavering commitment to His word.
Verse Breakdown
"And God said, This [is] the token of the covenant"
This opening clause establishes the divine origin and authority of the declaration. God Himself initiates and articulates the terms of this new relationship. The phrase "token of the covenant" immediately highlights that a visible, tangible sign will accompany this solemn agreement, serving as a constant reminder and guarantee of God's promise.
"which I make between me and you"
This segment underscores the unilateral nature of the covenant. God is the primary party, the initiator ("I make"), and Noah (representing humanity) is the recipient. This is not a negotiated agreement but a divine imposition of grace, flowing from God's sovereign will and benevolent character.
"and every living creature that [is] with you"
This remarkable expansion of the covenant's scope demonstrates its universality. It extends beyond Noah and his immediate human descendants to encompass all animate life on Earth. This highlights God's comprehensive care and sovereignty over all creation, emphasizing the breadth of His divine promise to sustain the natural order.
"for perpetual generations"
This concluding phrase emphasizes the enduring and unending nature of this divine promise. It signifies that the covenant is not limited to a specific time or a single generation but extends indefinitely through all of history, providing enduring stability and assurance for the natural order. This phrase reinforces God's unchanging character and His unwavering commitment to His word, guaranteeing the continuity of life on Earth.
Literary Devices
Genesis 9:12 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is Covenant Formula, evident in the direct declaration, "And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you." This formulaic language emphasizes the solemnity and divine authority of the pronouncement. Symbolism is central, as the verse introduces the concept of a "token" (later revealed as the rainbow in Genesis 9:13), a visible, tangible sign representing an invisible, divine promise. This sign serves as a constant reminder of God's faithfulness. Furthermore, the phrase "and every living creature that [is] with you" demonstrates Inclusivity and Universality, highlighting the expansive scope of God's benevolent concern, extending His covenantal promise beyond humanity to all of creation. This broad scope also serves as a form of Emphasis, underscoring the comprehensive nature of God's commitment to preservation.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The Noahic Covenant, introduced in Genesis 9:12, stands as a foundational theological statement of God's enduring faithfulness and sovereign grace. It is a unilateral, unconditional promise, initiated entirely by God, demonstrating His absolute control over creation and His benevolent purpose to sustain life. This covenant highlights that even in the face of human sin and judgment, God's ultimate disposition is toward preservation and the continuation of His created order. It assures the stability of the natural world, providing the necessary conditions for humanity to flourish and for God's redemptive plan to unfold through subsequent covenants. This divine commitment underscores God's patience and long-suffering, choosing to uphold life rather than repeat global destruction, thereby establishing a framework of hope for all future generations.
Reflection and Application
Genesis 9:12 offers profound comfort and assurance, serving as a powerful reminder of God's enduring faithfulness and His unwavering commitment to sustaining life on Earth. The Noahic covenant, as an unconditional promise, beautifully demonstrates God's boundless grace and patience towards His creation. For believers today, this verse reinforces the absolute reliability of God's word and His promises, which are always "Yea, and in him Amen" as declared in 2 Corinthians 1:20. It encourages us to trust implicitly in His divine providence and to deeply appreciate the stability of the natural world, which is consistently upheld by His sovereign decree. Moreover, it subtly calls us to active stewardship of the creation that God so faithfully sustains, recognizing our role as caretakers of His ongoing promise. This covenant provides a foundation of security, allowing humanity to live and work with the confidence that the basic order of life will be preserved by God's unchanging hand.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is the "token" not explicitly named as the rainbow in Genesis 9:12?
Genesis 9:12 introduces the concept of a "token" (Hebrew: ʼôwth) as the sign of the covenant, but it does not name the specific sign. The immediate subsequent verse, Genesis 9:13, clarifies that God sets "my bow in the cloud," explicitly identifying the rainbow as this visible token. This sequential revelation builds anticipation and then provides the specific detail, emphasizing the divine origin and nature of the sign. This literary technique allows the reader to first grasp the idea of a covenantal sign before its specific form is revealed, highlighting the significance of the divine promise itself.
Is the Noahic Covenant conditional or unconditional?
The Noahic Covenant, as introduced in Genesis 9:12, is an unconditional covenant. Unlike some covenants that depend on human obedience or fulfillment of terms (e.g., the Mosaic Covenant in Exodus 19:5-6), this agreement is initiated solely by God's sovereign will and promise. God declares, "I make between me and you," signifying His unilateral commitment to never again destroy all life on Earth by a flood, regardless of human actions. This highlights God's steadfast character and His unmerited favor towards His creation.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The Noahic Covenant, with its unconditional promise and enduring "token," profoundly foreshadows the ultimate covenantal fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. While the Noahic covenant preserves physical life and the natural order, ensuring humanity's continued existence, it implicitly points towards the deeper need for spiritual redemption. Christ Himself is the ultimate "token" and embodiment of God's faithfulness and promises. As 2 Corinthians 1:20 declares, "For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen." The stability guaranteed by the Noahic covenant provided the necessary environment for the lineage of humanity to continue, culminating in the birth of the Messiah (Luke 3:23-38). Through Christ, God establishes a New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31, fulfilled in Luke 22:20), offering not just preservation from physical judgment but eternal life, reconciliation with God, and the forgiveness of sins. This New Covenant, sealed by Christ's blood, fulfills the deepest longings that even the universal Noahic promise could only hint at, providing a spiritual assurance far surpassing the physical guarantee of the rainbow.