Overview
After the flood, God established an everlasting covenant with Noah and all living creatures, appointing the rainbow as the sign of this covenant. This visible reminder demonstrates God's mercy toward mankind and His promise never again to destroy the earth by flood. The rainbow also appears in visions of God's throne, symbolizing His divine glory and sovereignty.
Key Scriptures
"I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth." (Genesis 9:13, ESV)
"And behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald." (Revelation 4:2-3, ESV)
"He had a little scroll open in his hand... and his face was like the sun, and his legs like pillars of fire, and he set his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land... and a rainbow was upon his head." (Revelation 10:2, 1-2, ESV)
Application
When you see a rainbow, remember God's faithfulness to His promises and rejoice in His enduring mercy toward His people.