What Is The Worlds View Of The Rainbow
Even though each and every rainbow is completely one of a kind, its appearance may be explained away without resorting to any sort of miracle. For a long time, scientists have known that raindrops serve as tiny prisms to create rainbows.
When white sunlight enters one side of a water droplet and departs the other, it forms a circular bow or arc of color that is refracted or broken up into the color spectrum, appearing on the other side of the sky.
In a rainbow, there is a continuous range of about a million hues, all of which blend together into one another and are invisible to the naked sight. Only seven colorsred, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violetare actually perceivable by the human eye.
In reality, the beauty of a rainbow is really an optical illusion that can only be seen by the observer when their line of sight is perfectly aligned with the direction of the light.
The rainbows beauty and mystery, however, have made it a part of mythologies in many cultures around the world. The Norse, for instance, believed it to be a Bifrost, a bridge used by the gods to travel between Earth and Asgard.
Similarly, the Navajo believed that rainbows served as a portal for sacred spirits, and ancient Japanese thought that the color represented the return of ancestors who had passed away. There is a pot of gold at the end of every rainbow, according to an old Irish mythology that is still recited today.
What Was The Covenant That God Made With Noah
God made this covenant with Noah regarding His creation. The events of the book of Genesis introduce us to how God initiates and makes covenants with His chosen people, pledging His love and faithfulness to them and calling them to promise theirs to Him.
God makes seven or eight covenants with His children in the Bible, from the time of the Garden of Eden to Christs resurrection, the new covenant . A covenant is more than a promise. It is usually a formal agreement between two or more persons to do or not do something. It is the name of a statement with such a specific agreement in legal terms.
In the church, a covenant means members agree to act together in harmony with the precepts of the gospel. A covenant establishes a relationship between two parties, similar to a government document.
The Old Testament events leading up to the covenant with Noah are as follows:
- God explained how Noahs righteousness spared him from the flood .
- God gave specific instructions for the ark project, which Noah followed .
- God returned Noah and his crew to dry land on Mount Ararat .
Gods covenant after the flood was sealed by the sign of a rainbow in the sky.
I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth: When I bring clouds over the earth, and the bow is seen in the clouds . . . I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant.
What Does The Rainbow Really Mean
This week, as we traveled down the highway, our family spotted a beautiful rainbow to the east as the sun was setting in the west. The contrast of colors filling the sky was stunningly beautiful. As we pointed to the rainbow in the sky, we asked our youngest daughter if she understood the meaning behind this beautiful spectacle that reappears in the sky on certain occasions. She responded by saying that there was probably gold at the endso after a quick chuckle we talked about the real meaning of the colorful bow in the sky.
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The Rainbow And Light
At a recent trip to the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago I was re-educated about correlation between light and color. My girls were enthralled as they manipulated light and mirrors to create what? You guessed it. Rainbows.
I John 1:5 says,
This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
God is light and do you know what light is? Visible light is made up of seven wavelength groups which the human eye translates into seven colors!
Can you guess what those colors are?
The colors of the rainbow!!! And what is black ? It is the absence of light!!
I love it when science and the Bible come together!
The Origin Of The Rainbow
The rainbow finds its origin in a covenant that was made to Noah after the great flood. The Bible records that event in Genesis 9, and the whole backdrop can be seen leading up to the Noahic covenant. God was angry with the depraved population that filled planet earth. He commissioned Noah to build the ark in accordance with his plan of judgment and salvation. Only Noah and his family were saved from the fury of Gods vengeance.
After flooding the entire world with a global flood, God made a promise that he would never again destroy the world with water. In order to communicate this promise, God not only spoke it to Noah, but he also hung a majestic bow in the sky. Genesis 9:12-17 records the scene of Gods promise to Noah and future generations:
The rainbow, like all of Gods creation, reflects the beauty and majesty of God. The radiant colors and glorious appearance of a rainbow in the sky points to the existence of God and reflects his glory. When we see a rainbow, we should consider how much more glorious and beautiful God is and one day the whole world will see his glory shine in an unveiled manner.
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The Meaning Of The Rainbow In The Clouds
What is the meaning of the rainbow, when it appears in the clouds over the Earth on a rainy day?
When clouds would gather in the sky, people might fear that the rains would become a flood and destroy all life. God therefore placed the rainbow in the clouds as a reminder of Gods covenant to future generations that God would never destroy the Earth again.
Three Rainbows In The Bible: Glory Throne And Crown
There are three rainbows in the Bible after the account in Genesis.
When Ezekiel sees his visions of God, he says, Like the appearance of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the brightness all around it. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord .
On the island of Patmos, John sees a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald .
John will then see another vision of an angel coming down from heaven, clothed with a cloud. And a rainbow was on his head, his face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire .
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Rainbow And The Story Of Noahs Ark
In the Bible, there is a story of the great flood. It rained for 40 days and nights, continuously flooding the entire earth. Noah built an Ark in which along with his family he took pairs of every kind of animal. When the flood was over and the land dried up they all emerged from the Ark. And then Noah saw the mesmerizing rainbow with a promise from God.
It was a promise to mankind that He would never flood our world again. So, it is a Christian belief that rainbows exist as an assurance to us from the Almighty.
A Covenant Of Diversity
Rabbi Sampson Rafael Hirsch sees a deeper meaning of the rainbow that of maintaining the worlds diversity, as God created it.
The colors of the rainbow, from one pure complete ray of light, broken up into seven degrees of seven colors, symbolize different types of living creatures of every kind.
Yet, God unites them all together in one common bond of peace, all fragments of one life, all refracted rays of the one spirit of God.
The Rainbow Reminds Us To Take Responsibility For The Planet
When Noah obeys the Creators will and helps to preserve life on the ark, his actions result in a message shining from the rainbow, thus serving as a model for us to take responsibility for the continuation of a living and livable planet.
The Beauty of The Rainbow
Rainbows are beautiful, inspiring wonder. In the famous Vision of the Chariot of the prophet Ezekiel, the rainbow represents a view of the likeness of God:
Like the appearance of the bow which is in the cloud on the day of rain, such was the appearance of the brightness round about. That was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. When I saw it, I fell upon my face. And I heard the voice of someone speaking.
The Zohar understands this on a deeper level, as a symbol for the Divine Presence on Earth.
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Who Was The Ugliest God
Facts about Hephaestus Hephaestus was the only ugly god among perfectly beautiful immortals. Hephaestus was born deformed and was cast out of heaven by one or both of his parents when they noticed that he was imperfect. He was the workman of the immortals: he made their dwellings, furnishings, and weapons.
Rainbows In The Bible: The Second Mention: Ezekiels Vision
The second mention of rainbows in the Bible takes place in Ezekiel. In this chapter, Ezekiel has a vision of heavenly and angelic beings and cherubim appointed as guardians of the holiness of God.
Like the appearance of the bow in the cloud on the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around.
Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of one speaking.
Ezekiel 1:28
Ezekiel was privileged to see a vision of God in heaven, and the brightness of God was seen as a rainbow. The rainbow is seen as a part of the manifestation of God in Revelation 4:3 and Revelation 10:1. Enduring Word has a good short study on cherubim that you may wish to check out.
Its interesting to note that the Hebrew word for Rainbow is Qeshet. Keshet is also used to describe a war bow.
When you think of a bow used in war, it needs, essentially two things: the bow and an arrow. Without the arrow, it cannot serve as a weapon.
The symbol of the rainbow, a bow without an arrow, is, therefore, a symbol of the mercy of God. A symbol that shows that while God can destroy the earth with a flood, He has promised not to do that ever again.
You may enjoy this short video by a rabbi about the meaning of the word rainbow in the Bible and what it signifies.
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What Other Bible Passages Talk About Rainbows
The arc of colors in a rainbowparticularly the range from red, purple to bluehad religious significance for the early Hebrew people. God asked Moses to use the colors blue, purple, and scarlet in the curtains for His tabernacle, a portable temple for the Israelites on the way to the Promised Land .
Blue, purple, and scarlet were decreed colors for the garments of Moses brother Aaron and the other first, high priests ordained by God . These colors worn by priests and in a cloth on the ark of the covenant represented atonement, seeking a better relationship between God and people .
The prophet Ezekiel compares the brilliance of his vision of Gods glory to a rainbow in Ezekiel 1:28: “As the rainbow appears that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of His brightness all around.
A rainbow is a pinnacle of Gods astounding creation. It shines in a dismal, rainy sky or a sky just beginning to reveal the sun. A rainbow reminds us of Gods faithfulness in stormy times.
At the end of the New Testament, in Johns prophetic book of Revelation, he describes the glory and power of God on his throne with these words: After these things I looked, and behold, a door opened in heaven . . . and a rainbow was around the throne .
The second mention of a rainbow in Revelation occurs when John describes a mighty angel: Then I saw another strong angel coming down out of heaven, clothed with a cloud, and with a rainbow on his head .
Is Pink In The Rainbow
Purple, magenta, and hot pink, as we know, don’t occur in the rainbow from a prism because they can only be made as a combination of red and blue light. And those are on opposite sides of the rainbow, nowhere near overlapping. … However, sometimes purple and pink really are there because a rainbow is really a rain disk.
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Where Do We See The Rainbow In The Bible
The first instance of a rainbow that we find in the Bible is found in the story of Noah and the flood. God set a rainbow in the sky to serve as a sign of the covenant that he would never again destroy all life with flood waters. It serves as a reminder of Gods forgiveness, truthfulness, and that however great the trials are that we endure, God will remain faithful and good.
I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life .
We also find a few more uses of the word rainbow being used in the Bible. The common element of all three uses of the term rainbow found elsewhere in Scripture is that it used to describe the coloring and imagery of heavenly visions. Truly, rainbows are quite spectacular and reflect the majesty of the Creator.
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, and I heard the voice of one speaking .
And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne .
A Prayer To Remember Gods Promises
Dear God,
Thank you for the many promises you have given us through your Holy Word.
The Lord is always with you your strength will bring us through. We know we can count on you and your promises.
God, help me be mindful of the promises You have made for my life. Please remind me and guide me all day long as I stand on Your word!
Please remind us to meditate on your promises, especially when life gets tough, or we go through difficult times.
Your faithfulness is a breath of fresh air, and I am refreshed by your promises.
We are always in your hands. We know that no matter what we face, it will be easier with our faith in you and the promises You have made for us.
Let us trust you daily as we cling to your promises for hope and guidance. Thank you, Father, for your grace and your eternal love.
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Where Else Can We Find Rainbows In The Bible
The arc of colors in a rainbow has religious significance for early Hebrew people. God asked Moses to use the colors blue, purple, and scarlet in his curtains for a portable temple that Israelites would use on their way into the promised land.
Moreover, you shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen and blue and purple and scarlet yarns you shall make them with cherubim skillfully worked into them.
Exodus 26:1
The colors of Aaron were blue, purple, and scarlet. These are the same as those worn by high priests ordained by God Himself.
Then bring near to you Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the people of Israel, to serve me as priestsAaron and Aarons sons, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty.You shall speak to all the skillful, whom I have filled with a spirit of skill, that they make Aarons garments to consecrate him for my priesthood.
These are the garments that they shall make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a coat of checker work, a turban, and a sash. They shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother and his sons to serve me as priests. They shall receive gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen.
Exodus 28:1-5
These colors worn by priests and in a cloth on the ark of Covenant represented atonement, seeking a better relationship between God and His people.
Is The Rainbow Mentioned In The Bible
Yes, the rainbow is mentioned in the bible. Let us look at the places it was mentioned.
I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth: When I bring clouds over the earth, and the bow is seen in the clouds . . . I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant.
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You will also find the rainbow mentioned in the book of Ezekiel.
As the rainbow appears that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of His brightness all around.
Ezekiel 1:28.
Furthermore, the word Rainbow was mentioned in the book of Revelation when John saw the throne of God.
After these things I looked, and behold, a door opened in heaven . . . and a rainbow was around the throne
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Therefore, you can see that rainbow can be found in the bible. Now, in context, these places talk about the rainbow in respect of different things.
We are going to look into this later on.
The first and common place you will find the word Rainbow is in the bible. Getting the interpretation from the bible is therefore the best way to understand what the rainbow has to say.
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