Genesis 9:13

“I do set my bow in the cloud, etc.] Or “I have given”, or “have set it” f484; which seems as if it was at that instant set; this is the same we call the “rainbow”: and so Horace f485 calls it “arcus pluvius”: it is called a “bow”, because of its form, being a semicircle, and a “rainbow”, because it is seen in a day of rain, and is a sign of it, or of its being quickly over, (<260128>Ezekiel 1:28) and this appears in a moist dewy cloud, neither very thick nor very thin, and is occasioned by the rays of the sun opposite to it, refracted on it: and this God calls “his bow”, not only because made by him, for, notwithstanding the natural causes of it, the cloud and sun, the disposition of these…”

“RAINBOW. (Gen. 9:8-29) I do set my bow in the cloud--set, that is, constitute or appoint. This common and familiar phenomenon being made the pledge of peace, its appearance when showers began to fall would be welcomed with the liveliest feelings of joy.”

“- XXIX. The Covenant with Noah 13. קשׁת qeshet, “bow; related: be bent.” 14. ענן ‛ānan, “cover, cast over; noun: cloud.” The covenant made with Noah Genesis 6:18 is now formally confirmed. The purpose conceived in the heart Genesis 8:21 now receives significant expression. Not only a new blessing is bestowed, but also a new covenant is formed with Noah. For he that has offered an acceptable sacrifice is not only at peace with God, but renewed in mind after the image of God. He is therefore a fit subject for entering into a covenant. Genesis 9:8-11 Unto Noah and to his sons. - God addresses the sons of Noah as the progenitors of the future race. “I establish.” He not merely makes כרת kārat,…”

“9:13-16 God brought cataclysmic judgment through the rainstorm; now, the rainbow, a meteorological phenomenon associated with the rainstorm, would be an image of peace for all the earth (see 9:17). • The same Hebrew term denotes both “rainbow” and “bow.” Since God is sometimes pictured as a warrior who shoots arrows of judgment (see Deut 32:42; Pss 7:12; 18:13-14; Hab 3:9-11), some think that the imagery in Gen 9:13-17 is of the Divine Warrior hanging up his bow of judgment.”