Genesis 9:15Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And it will come to pass, says He, that when I send a cloud upon the earth, a rainbow shall emerge within the cloud; and I will remember my covenant that exists between Me and you, as well as every living being across all flesh. What is your response, cherished prophet? - "I will remember," he declares, "my covenant," meaning my agreement, my terms, my promise; not because God has any need for remembrance, but rather so that we, upon seeing this sign, may find no cause for fear and, recalling God's promise, can be assured that we will not endure such a calamity. Can you perceive the depth of God’s humility, His concern for humanity, and the extent of His love for all people?

What significance does the rainbow, which God placed in the cloud as a symbol of His covenant with humanity, hold? The rainbow, comprised of four distinct colors, illustrates that the flesh of the Lord, like ours, is composed of four elements and shares the characteristic of being without an originating cause. It resides in the cloud, which represents the world, a world shrouded in divine wrath or the consequence of death. At times, a cloud can be perceived as a blessing, refreshing the earth with gentle rain or offering relief from heat by providing shade. Conversely, it can also symbolize anger when it unleashes torrential rains or hail.

Noah feared that another deluge might not occur, leading to the annihilation of all living beings. In His mercy, the Lord God reassured Noah by establishing a covenant, promising never to flood the entire earth again. As a visible reminder of this promise, He set a rainbow among the clouds. Through this act, the compassionate Creator reconciled with His creation, blessing the earth with abundance and regulating the seasons, declaring: ‘Sowing and reaping, winter and heat, summer and autumn, day and night shall not cease’ (Genesis 8:22).

The rainbow in the sky was chosen to represent the covenant (Gen. 9:13). This vivid imagery of the rainbow serves as a reminder of God's promise (Gen. 9:13-17). The connection between the symbol and its meaning is a profound aspect of the covenant. By displaying a sign of protection amid peril, God profoundly honors grace while inviting trust. It is unwarranted, however, to conclude that the rainbow only emerged following the flood. It is possible that it existed prior to the flood, just as the elements of water and cleansing were present before the sacrament of baptism.