When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds,
God seals His covenant as men seal their agreements, to make both promise and performance sure. He repeats His assurance over and over: I set My bow, it shall be seen, it shall be the token, I will remember. The rainbow appears when clouds threaten most; in our darkest fear, God shows us the seal that the waters shall not prevail.
AI summary
Commenting on Genesis 9:12-17
And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth,.... Or "cloud a cloud" (u), cause the clouds to gather thick in the heavens, and to hang over the earth ready to pour down great quantities of water; by reason of which the inhabitants might dread another flood coming upon them: wherefore, in order to dissipate such fears, it shall be...
God does not formally conclude a covenant here but establishes and confirms one by promise, extending it to all generations. The bow itself becomes the living sign: when God gathers clouds and looks upon it to remember His everlasting covenant, the rainbow becomes a real vehicle of His grace, holding power not only for man but before God Himself.
AI summary
Commenting on Genesis 9:8-17