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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
Four Centuries of Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
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.”
I will place my bow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth; and when I cover the sky with clouds, my bow will appear, and I will remember my covenant with you and with every living soul that is alive in the flesh, and the waters will no longer become a flood to destroy all flesh. The bow in the sky, whenever it is seen even today, reminds us of the divine covenant that the earth will no longer be lost in a flood; but if it is well considered, it also shows us a sign of future judgment that will come upon the world by fire. For indeed, it shines with both blue and red color not without reason, except because the blue color testifies about the waters that have passed, and the red color testifies about the flames that are to come. Fittingly, the celestial bow, which they call Iris, is placed as a sign of divine propitiation; for that bow tends to shine in the clouds, and responds in a somewhat grateful confession to the rays of the sun that illuminate the dewy darkness. Therefore, Christ is the Sun of righteousness, the clouds illuminated by Him are the saints, whose names are written in heaven, and the Psalmist speaks of them: Lord, your mercy is in heaven, and your truth reaches to the clouds (Psalm 35:6). And when the bow appears in the clouds, the Lord remembers His promise not to destroy the earth with a flood, because through the intercessions of the saints, who know how to shine not by themselves, but through Him, He is propitiated towards the faithful when they lift up the eyes of their minds to desire heavenly things, and they recognize His glory in the deeds and words or even the rest of the preceding just ones, as if in His clouds, there will be a bow in the clouds, and I will see it and remember the eternal covenant that was made between God and every living soul of all flesh that is upon the earth. It is said in a human manner that God remembers His covenant when He sees the bow in the clouds, which by the merits of the saints, glorified and heavenly through His illumination, He spares and has mercy on our frailty; but He does not newly remember anything since He can never forget anything. He has been mindful of His covenant forever, but He seems to remember the covenant He made with us when He extends the help of His protection to those in tribulation; hence, it is well said in the psalm from the persona of some afflicted individuals, to whom divine aid seemed delayed: Why do you turn your face away, do you forget our poverty and our tribulation (Psalm 43:24)?
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Summary
Genesis 9:13 profoundly declares God's establishment of the rainbow as a perpetual, visible sign of His solemn covenant with all living creatures and the entire earth, initiated after the global flood. This divine promise assures humanity and creation that never again will life be destroyed by a flood, marking a new era of divine faithfulness and preservation.
Context
Literary Context
Genesis 9:13 is situated within the broader narrative of the Noahic Covenant, which immediately follows the account of the Great Flood in Genesis 6, Genesis 7, Genesis 8. After the floodwaters recede and Noah and his family exit the ark, God initiates a new beginning for humanity and creation. Noah's first act is to build an altar and offer sacrifices to the Lord (Genesis 8:20), which prompts God's gracious declaration never again to curse the ground or destroy all living creatures as He had done (Genesis 8:21-22). The covenant itself is formally articulated in Genesis 9:8-17, with verse 13 specifically introducing the rainbow as its tangible, enduring sign. This passage sets the stage for the post-flood world, establishing fundamental principles of life, humanity's relationship with creation, and God's unwavering commitment to His promises.
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 half, as seen in Genesis 15:9-10), and visible signs or memorials. The concept of a deity making a covenant with humanity was not unique, but the unilateral, unconditional nature of God's covenant with all creation in Genesis 9 stands out. Rainbows, though a natural phenomenon, were often viewed in ancient cultures as bridges to the divine or symbols of divine power. However, in this biblical context, God invests the rainbow with new, specific theological meaning, transforming a natural occurrence into a supernatural sign of His promise. The "bow" imagery, often associated with a warrior's weapon, would have been immediately recognizable, adding depth to God's symbolic act of "hanging up" His weapon.
Key Themes
Genesis 9:13 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores God's sovereignty and faithfulness; despite humanity's continued sinfulness (which led to the flood), God unilaterally initiates a covenant of grace and preservation. Secondly, it highlights the sacredness of life and God's benevolent care for all creation, as the covenant extends not only to Noah and his descendants but to "every living creature of all flesh" (Genesis 9:16). Thirdly, it introduces the concept of a divine sign or token as a perpetual reminder of a covenant, a motif that recurs throughout Scripture (e.g., circumcision as a sign of the Abrahamic covenant in Genesis 17:11, the Sabbath as a sign of the Mosaic covenant in Exodus 31:13). This verse firmly establishes the rainbow as an enduring symbol of God's mercy and His commitment to the order of creation.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb, translated "do set," is highly versatile, meaning "to give," "put," "place," or "appoint." In this context, it signifies God's deliberate and authoritative act of placing or establishing His bow in the cloud. It is not a passive occurrence but a divine decree, emphasizing God's sovereign initiative in establishing the covenant and its sign.
While commonly understood as "rainbow," the primary meaning of qesheth is a warrior's "bow" or "weapon" for shooting arrows. This dual meaning is crucial. By placing His "bow" in the cloud, God is symbolically "hanging up" or disarming His weapon of judgment (the floodwaters), transforming a symbol of potential wrath into a sign of peace, restraint, and promise. It signifies that the era of global destruction by water has ended.
This word denotes a "sign," "signal," "mark," or "evidence." It is a visible, tangible representation that points to an invisible reality or a future promise. The rainbow is not merely a beautiful atmospheric phenomenon; it is imbued by God with specific theological meaning, serving as a constant, visible reminder and guarantee of His covenant promise.
Derived from a root suggesting "cutting" (referring to the ancient practice of cutting animals to seal a pact), a bᵉrîyth is a solemn, binding agreement or compact. In this instance, it is a unilateral covenant initiated by God, not dependent on human performance but on His own faithfulness. It signifies a profound, enduring relationship and commitment between God and all creation.
Verse Breakdown
"I do set my bow in the cloud"
This opening clause declares God's direct, intentional action. The use of "my bow" emphasizes divine ownership and purpose. The "bow" (qesheth), typically a weapon, is placed "in the cloud," a context that previously brought judgment (rain for the flood). This act symbolically transforms the instrument of judgment into a sign of peace and promise, signifying God's cessation of global flood-judgment.
"and it shall be for a token"
The conjunction "and" links the act of setting the bow to its purpose. The rainbow is not merely a decorative element but serves a specific function as a "token" (ʼôwth), a visible sign or memorial. This token is meant to be a perpetual reminder, for both humanity and God Himself, of the solemn agreement that follows.
"of a covenant"
This phrase identifies the nature of the agreement that the rainbow signifies. It is a "covenant" (bᵉrîyth), a binding, unbreakable promise from God. This covenant is not conditional on human obedience but is an expression of God's unilateral grace and commitment to preserve life on earth.
"between me and the earth"
This final clause defines the universal scope of the covenant. It is not limited to humanity or a specific people group but encompasses God ("me") and "the earth" (ʼerets), signifying all living creatures and the entire terrestrial sphere. This highlights God's expansive benevolence and His commitment to the continued existence and order of His creation.
Literary Devices
The verse employs significant Symbolism and Metaphor. The "bow" (qesheth), primarily a weapon, is transformed into the symbol of a rainbow, turning an instrument of war and judgment into a sign of peace and promise. This transformation is a powerful metaphor for God's shift from judgment to grace and preservation. The act of placing the bow "in the cloud" also carries symbolic weight, as clouds were previously associated with the destructive floodwaters, now becoming the backdrop for a sign of hope. The rainbow itself serves as a mnemonic device, a visual reminder for both God and humanity, ensuring the covenant is perpetually remembered.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Genesis 9:13 stands as a foundational text affirming God's unwavering faithfulness and His commitment to the preservation of creation. It reveals a God who, even after righteous judgment, extends grace and establishes an unconditional covenant, demonstrating His restorative character. The rainbow serves as a perpetual, visible testament to this divine promise, reminding humanity of God's mercy and His sovereign control over the natural world. This covenant, universal in scope, underscores God's benevolent care for all life, not just humanity, setting a precedent for His ongoing relationship with His creation.
Reflection and Application
Genesis 9:13 offers profound reassurance and a call to trust in the steadfast character of God. In a world often marked by uncertainty and natural disasters, the rainbow serves as a constant, visible reminder that God is faithful to His promises, even when circumstances seem dire. This verse encourages us to look beyond immediate challenges and remember God's overarching plan of preservation and grace. It also cultivates a deeper appreciation for the natural world as a canvas for God's covenantal faithfulness, prompting us to be good stewards of the earth He has so graciously preserved. Furthermore, understanding this universal covenant can foster a sense of hope and security, knowing that God's benevolent governance extends to all aspects of creation, providing a stable foundation upon which life can flourish.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does the Noahic covenant mean God will never judge the earth again?
No, the Noahic covenant, as articulated in Genesis 9:11, specifically promises that God will never again destroy all life on earth by a global flood. It does not preclude other forms of divine judgment. Indeed, later biblical prophecy, such as 2 Peter 3:7, speaks of a future judgment by fire, indicating that while the method of universal destruction has changed, the principle of divine accountability remains.
Why is the rainbow chosen as the sign of this covenant?
The choice of the rainbow is deeply symbolic. The Hebrew word for "bow" (qesheth) refers primarily to a warrior's weapon. By placing His "bow" in the clouds, God symbolically "hags up" or disarms His weapon of judgment—the floodwaters. This act transforms a symbol of divine wrath into a visible sign of peace, restraint, and a solemn promise of preservation. It signifies a new era where God's relationship with creation is marked by covenantal faithfulness rather than overwhelming judgment by water.
Is this covenant only for believers?
No, the Noahic covenant is explicitly universal in its scope. Genesis 9:13 states it is "between me and the earth," and Genesis 9:16 further clarifies that it is with "every living creature of all flesh." This covenant of preservation applies to all humanity and all living beings, serving as a foundational promise that ensures the continued existence of life on earth, regardless of individual faith.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While the Noahic covenant in Genesis 9:13 assures the preservation of creation from another global flood, it ultimately serves as a profound foreshadowing of the greater, more enduring covenant established in Jesus Christ. The rainbow, symbolizing God's restraint from judgment by water, points to Christ's ultimate work as the perfect propitiation for divine wrath. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus absorbs the full measure of God's just judgment against sin, offering not merely physical preservation but spiritual salvation and eternal life to all who believe. The New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ's blood (Luke 22:20), is superior to all previous covenants because it offers complete reconciliation with God and the promise of a renewed creation, where sin and its effects are ultimately overcome (Revelation 21:1-5). Thus, the Noahic rainbow, a sign of God's faithfulness to preserve physical life, beautifully anticipates the cross, the ultimate sign of God's faithfulness to redeem and transform spiritual life.