After the Great Flood, God shows Noah a rainbow: "I have set My rainbow in the clouds, and it shall serve as a sign of a covenant between Me and the earth." (Gen. 9:13). The rainbow (technically the Hebrew word translated rainbow is the same word translated as bow like a bow and arrow) is a token of God's promise not to destroy the world again by flood. The secret is that the rainbow is not merely a sign, but itself conceals the covenant God promised. Ezekiel himself saw the covenant rainbow above the throne of God. Ezekiel 1:26. God set the bow in the clouds. Genesis 9:13. What is the bow? When Joseph was attacked by archers God's bow remained steady because it was held by the Mighty One of Jacob aka the Rock of Israel. Genesis 49:24. The bow (rainbow) then is held by the Mighty One of Jacob (the clouds). The appearance of the rainbow in the clouds was the radiance around Ezekiel. Ezekiel 1:28. God's presence is clouds. Psalm 18:12.

The rainbow is called " " "the bow that is the Shekhinah", an aspect of the Creator's Light bestowed to the world as a covenant. Staring too long at this holy radiance is like gazing at the Divine Presence itself, which mortal eyes should not do in excess (compare God's words: "You cannot see My face, for no one can see Me and live." Ex. 33:20). Thus, tradition even cautions against gawking at a rainbow; one should respectfully glance and bless God's mercy. I caution you brothers from using the rainbow in any disrespectful manner. To do so is to invite God's judgment, his literal bow upon you.

I've been convicted recently regarding this and how I am generally unaffected when I see a rainbow. My aim is to be reminded of God's promises as often as possible, so I need to recall this great covenant when I see the rainbow in the sky.