And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud:
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