rainbow Summary and Overview

caused by the reflection and refraction of the rays of the sun shining on falling rain. It was appointed as a witness of the divine faithfulness (Gen. 9:12-17). It existed indeed before, but it was then constituted as a sign of the covenant. Others, however (as Delitzsch, Commentary on Pentateuch), think that it "appeared then for the first time in the vault and clouds of heaven." It is argued by those holding this opinion that the atmosphere was differently constituted before the Flood. It is referred to three other times in Scripture (Ezek. 1:27, 28; Rev. 4:1-3; 10:1).

the token of the covenant which God made with Noah when he came forth from the ark that the waters should no more become a flood to destroy all flesh. The right interpretation of #Ge 9:13| seems to be that God took the rainbow, which had hitherto been but a beautiful object shining in the heavens when the sun's rays fell on falling rain, and consecrated it as the sign of his love and the witness of his promise. Ecclus. 43:11. The rainbow is a symbol of God's faithfulness and mercy. In the "rainbow around the throne," #Re 4:3| is seen the symbol of hope and the bright emblem of mercy and love, all the more true as a symbol because it is reflected from the storm itself.

RAIN'BOW , a seven-colored semicircle produced by the reflection of the sun's rays from the drops of falling water, and appearing in its greatest brilliancy when the spectator is placed between the shining sun on the one side and a raining cloud on the other. It may be formed in waterfalls, fountains, etc., but when formed in the atmosphere it always shows that the rain has passed away. The same laws by which this effect is produced were probably in operation before the Deluge. The rainbow, which had hitherto been a beautiful object in the heavens, was appointed as a sign of the covenant that the earth should not be again destroyed by a flood. The meaning of the covenant would be in substance, "As surely as that bow is the result of established laws which must continue as long as the sun and atmosphere endure, so surely shall the world be preserved from destruction by a deluge." Gen 9:12-17.

(See BOW.)