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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 9:15 stands as a profound declaration of God's unwavering faithfulness and the enduring nature of the Noahic Covenant. In this pivotal verse, God solemnly reaffirms His promise to Noah, his descendants, and every living creature, assuring them that a global flood will never again be used to destroy all life on Earth. This divine pledge establishes a foundational stability for creation, demonstrating God's sovereign control and His commitment to preservation after a period of catastrophic judgment.
Context
Literary Context
Genesis 9:15 is situated within the immediate post-diluvian narrative, following the universal flood that cleansed the Earth. The preceding verses detail God's blessing upon Noah and his sons, commanding them to be fruitful and multiply, and re-establishing the relationship between humanity and the animal kingdom (see Genesis 9:1-7). This covenant, introduced in Genesis 9:8-17, marks a new beginning for creation, setting parameters for human life and providing a divine guarantee against future global destruction by water. The rainbow, first presented in Genesis 9:13, serves as the perpetual sign of this everlasting promise, reinforcing God's commitment to His word.
Historical & Cultural Context
The concept of covenants was prevalent in the ancient Near East, often involving solemn oaths, rituals (like cutting animals, as implied by the Hebrew for "covenant"), and visible signs. However, the Noahic Covenant stands distinct from typical human treaties due to its unilateral nature (God's promise alone), its universal scope (encompassing all living things, not just a specific people), and its unconditional character. It reflects God's sovereign initiative to establish order and ensure the continuation of life on Earth after a cataclysmic event, setting the stage for future divine-human interactions and covenants. The memory of the flood would have been a deeply ingrained cultural and psychological trauma, making God's explicit promise of "no more flood" profoundly comforting and foundational for rebuilding society.
Key Themes
Genesis 9:15 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores God's sovereignty and control over creation, His divine faithfulness in keeping His promises, and His universal grace extended to all living things. The verse also highlights the theme of preservation and new beginnings after judgment, echoing the initial creation account in Genesis 1 and foreshadowing future acts of divine redemption. Furthermore, it introduces a foundational aspect of covenantal theology, demonstrating God's chosen method of relating to His creation through binding agreements, a pattern seen consistently through the Abrahamic, Mosaic, and New Covenants.
Exposition and Analysis
Genesis 9:15 unveils the steadfast character of God through a powerful reaffirmation of His covenant. Each phrase within the verse contributes to a comprehensive understanding of divine commitment and grace.
Key Word Analysis
When applied to God, "remember" does not imply a recovery from forgetfulness, but rather an active intention and a decisive action in accordance with His previously stated word. It signifies God's readiness to uphold and fulfill His solemn pledge. This divine remembrance is a cornerstone of God's faithfulness, indicating that He is actively engaged in bringing about the provisions of His covenant. It means "to act on behalf of" or "to be mindful of" in a way that leads to intervention or fulfillment.
This term refers to a compact or solemn agreement, often established by cutting (as implied by its root, referring to passing between pieces of flesh). In this context, it signifies a binding agreement initiated by God, establishing a relationship and outlining specific promises and obligations. The Noahic covenant is unique in its universal scope and unconditional nature, a unilateral promise from God to all creation.
This word broadly refers to the physical body, living creatures, or humanity. In Genesis 9:15, its repeated use emphasizes the comprehensive scope of the covenant: it is made with "every living creature of all flesh" and promises that the flood will "no more... destroy all flesh." This highlights the universal reach of God's preservation, encompassing all biological life on Earth.
Verse Breakdown
"And I will remember my covenant,"
This opening clause emphasizes God's active role and unwavering commitment. It is not a passive recollection but a divine assurance of active intervention to uphold His promise. God's "remembering" is always tied to His action, ensuring the covenant's provisions are met.
"which [is] between me and you and every living creature of all flesh;"
This clause defines the parties involved in the covenant, highlighting its extraordinary breadth. It extends beyond Noah and his human descendants to encompass all animal life, demonstrating God's comprehensive care for His entire creation. This universal scope stands in stark contrast to the prior judgment where all flesh perished in the flood, now encompassing all living things as beneficiaries of God's preserving grace.
"and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh."
This is the core promise of the covenant—a categorical assurance that a global deluge will never again be the means by which God destroys all life. The specific mention of "waters" and "flood" directly addresses the recent catastrophic event, providing profound security and hope. It establishes a foundational stability for the natural order and for all future generations, allowing life to flourish without the fear of another universal watery judgment.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. Anthropomorphism is evident in God stating, "I will remember my covenant," attributing a human-like action (remembering) to God to convey His active commitment and faithfulness, rather than implying any divine forgetfulness. The repetition of the phrase "all flesh" (Hebrew, bâsâr' H1320) serves as a powerful reiteration and emphasis, underscoring the universal scope of both the prior destruction and the present preservation. This repetition highlights the comprehensive nature of God's promise, extending to every living creature. Furthermore, the verse functions as a divine oath or solemn promise, marked by its declarative tone and the explicit statement of God's intention, providing an unshakeable foundation for trust.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Genesis 9:15 is a cornerstone for understanding God's character and His ongoing relationship with creation. It profoundly affirms God's immutability and faithfulness, demonstrating that His promises are eternal and unbreakable, providing a secure foundation for trust in His character amidst any circumstance. The covenant's extension to "every living creature of all flesh" reveals God's comprehensive care and universal grace for all creation, not just humanity, underscoring His sustaining power over the entire natural world. This foundational text establishes a pattern of divine initiative and promise-keeping that continues throughout biblical history, laying the groundwork for all subsequent covenants. It also provides hope and security, assuring humanity of the stability of the natural order, allowing for the flourishing of life and the building of societies without the fear of another global watery destruction.
Reflection and Application
Genesis 9:15 offers immense comfort and a profound basis for trusting God's character in every circumstance. It reminds us that God is perpetually faithful, upholding His word with unwavering commitment, even when human circumstances seem chaotic or uncertain. Just as He provided a clear assurance after a catastrophic global flood, this verse serves as a timeless reminder that God remains steadfast through all of life's challenges, offering a stable foundation for hope. Our trust in His unbreakable promises should inspire us to live with confidence, knowing that His sovereign care extends to all creation and to every detail of our lives. This divine assurance frees us from paralyzing fear, enabling us to engage in life, build, and cultivate the Earth with the confidence that God's overarching plan for preservation will prevail. It calls us to reflect on the stability of God's character and to rest in His unfailing love and commitment to His creation.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does "remember" imply God can forget His promises?
No, in a divine context, the Hebrew word zâkar' (H2142) does not mean God literally forgets and then recalls. Instead, it signifies God's active intention and His decisive action to fulfill His previously stated promises or intentions. When God "remembers" His covenant, it means He is actively engaged in upholding and bringing about its provisions, demonstrating His unchanging and reliable character. This is seen, for example, when God remembered Noah during the flood, leading to His active intervention for Noah's deliverance.
Is the Noahic Covenant only for Noah and his descendants?
While the covenant was made directly with Noah, Genesis 9:15 explicitly states it is "between me and you and every living creature of all flesh," indicating its universal scope. It extends to all humanity and all animal life, making it a foundational covenant for the preservation of all creation. This broad application is further emphasized in Genesis 9:16, where God declares it an "everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth."
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The steadfast faithfulness of God displayed in the Noahic Covenant, particularly His promise to preserve life and refrain from universal destruction by water, foreshadows the ultimate and perfect covenant of grace established in Jesus Christ. While the Noahic Covenant guaranteed the preservation of physical life and the stability of the created order, Christ's work provides the means for eternal life and spiritual preservation from the ultimate judgment of sin. Jesus is the ultimate "ark" of salvation, offering refuge from the coming judgment, which the New Testament describes as being by fire, not water (e.g., 2 Peter 3:7). God's unwavering commitment to His word in Genesis 9:15 finds its supreme fulfillment in the person and work of Christ, through whom all God's promises are "Yes" and "Amen" (2 Corinthians 1:20). Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Christ inaugurates a new covenant (Hebrews 8:6-13), securing a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) and an everlasting kingdom free from the curse of sin and death (Revelation 21:1-4). Thus, the Noahic Covenant's promise of physical preservation points to the spiritual and eternal preservation offered uniquely in Christ.