Rainbows - Signs and Promises

Genesis 9:8 – 17 R. Jennifer Clayman

Never Again..
Covenants…
Rainbows…
Signs…

Hebrew words
Keshet – Bow – Rainbow – קֶשֶת
Ot – Sign -

Other Signs of the Covenant
Exodus 12:13 – blood on houses a sign – relating to the plagues –
Gen 7:11 – circumcision as a sign of covenant of the people –
Deut 6:8 – bind the words as a sign on hand and a symbol before eyes

Rainbow
Nacham Sarna - JPS Commentary on Rashi pg 62 – “My Bow” existing natural phenomenon and now becomes a symbol. No other celestial body is similarly endowed as a symbol in the Bible ….
It is the only time that anything in nature becomes a sign of a Biblical event or a covenant.

Ezekiel – mentioned. – radiance about God like the rainbow equivalent to God’s presence.

But is in mythological reference to a bow and Babylonian Astronomy bow plays a role.

Significance of the rainbow is significant as a symbol of reconciliation. A bow / symbol of war transformed to a symbol of piece.

Blessing on Rainbow emphasizes the point of remembering the covenant and God keeping promises.

Cant touch rainbow because it is a one sided covenant – in this case it is God’s promise – God is the only one who has to do anything in this particular covenant. It is an unconditional promise.

Can never approach a rainbow. As a covenant you can’t fully approach it as well. It is part of the difficulty of approaching God as well.

Kabalah – reference to the colors of the rainbow – 7 colors – 7 attributes and 7 spherot.

J version and P version of the stories may have different facts – contrasting versions within the text – J version perspective from the ‘other kingdom of Judah’ - this text
P version more interested in using God as transcendent and less involved with people’s lives. (not sure about this particular text)

Link to Global Warming as the other side of this covenant when floods may return.
- another view that this is not linked – it is assurance that you can have children and not fear that they will be lost to another flood.

Not a promise of no punishment – just not to destroy the world again.

v17 Hebrew See Keshet and Remember – remember responsibility as well as the promise.

Artist perspective: What does the shape and colors of the rainbow mean? A symbol/sign of life.
Psychologist interpretation: colors vs darkness of depression. Uplifting after darkness.
Political use: Rainbow flag sign of the Gay Pride movement – 1978 – Baker – inspired by song Over the Rainbow (written by Jews) – became popular after Harvey Milk Assassination – represents the diversity. Rainbow Coalition – is a symbol of diversity.