Is rainbow a symbol of hope in the Bible?
The rainbow is referenced several times in the Bible, both in the Old Testament and New Testament. But is it specifically used as a symbol of hope? Let’s explore some key passages to find out.
The rainbow first appears after the Flood
The first Biblical mention of the rainbow is in Genesis 9 after the story of Noah’s Ark and the Flood. After the floodwaters receded, God made a covenant with Noah and all living creatures that he would never again destroy the earth with a flood. As a sign of this covenant, God placed a rainbow in the sky:
| Genesis 9:12-13 | And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. |
So the rainbow was established as a reminder of God’s promise to never again flood the whole earth. It offered hope that the cycle of destruction would not be repeated.
The rainbow represents God’s mercy and faithfulness
In Ezekiel 1, the prophet Ezekiel describes visions of God’s glory. One aspect of these visions is a radiance around God’s throne that is described similarly to a rainbow:
| Ezekiel 1:28 | Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. When I saw it, I fell facedown… |
The rainbow here seems to represent the fullness of God’s splendor, majesty, and covenant faithfulness. His mercy is as endless as the rainbow.
The rainbow encircles God’s throne in Revelation
The apostle John also connects the rainbow to God’s divine throne in his vision described in Revelation:
| Revelation 4:3 | And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne. |
Once again, the rainbow surrounds the throne, representing God’s faithfulness, mercy, and enduring covenant relationship with His people. Even in judgment, He remembers mercy.
The rainbow represents God’s glory and judgment in Revelation 10
In another vision from Revelation, John sees a mighty angel with one foot on land and one foot on the sea. This angel is wrapped in a cloud with a rainbow above his head:
| Revelation 10:1 | Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven. He was robed in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head; his face was like the sun, and his legs were like fiery pillars. |
Here, the rainbow seems to communicate God’s glory, beauty, splendor, and power. However, in this passage the rainbow may also signify God’s covenant faithfulness in carrying out judgment on the earth.
Rainbow colors are found in the New Jerusalem
In John’s vision of the New Jerusalem, the dwelling place of God among His people, he describes seeing rainbow colors:
| Revelation 21:10-11 | And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. |
| Revelation 21:18-19 | The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone… |
Though the rainbow is not directly mentioned here, the presence of colors like jasper, gold, and precious stones harkens back to the rainbow symbolizing the beauty, glory, and fulfillment of God’s promises.
The rainbow represents God’s faithfulness and hope
In summary, the rainbow is directly connected to God’s throne, glory, beauty, and judgment throughout Scripture. But ultimately, it symbolizes His enduring faithfulness and mercy. He keeps His promises, even when humanity falls short. Believers can find hope in God’s covenant that He will never forsake those who trust in Him.
Just as the rainbow appeared after the judgement of the Flood, it offers the hope of restoration even during times of brokenness and pain. As the people of God await the fulfilment of His promises in the New Jerusalem, they can look to the rainbow as a sign of hope that His purposes will be accomplished.
Though judgment and suffering continue for now, the rainbow declares that God’s redemptive plan will climax in eternal life, joy, and relationship with Him in the new creation. It points ahead to the promise that His people will see His face and experience the fullness of His glory (Revelation 22:4).
Conclusion
In the Bible, the rainbow acts as a colorful, hopeful symbol of God’s faithfulness, mercy, and enduring promises. It first appears as a sign of Noah’s covenant, then later encircles God’s throne and represents His splendor and glory. While God’s judgment is still at times necessary, the rainbow declares that God’s love prevails – He remembers mercy in the midst of wrath. As Christians look forward to an eternity with Christ, they can find hope in the rainbow’s promise that God will fulfill His redemptive purposes and dwell with His people forever.
