Today’s reading offers an alternative ending—and a slightly revised promise on God’s part—to the flood story. While Genesis 8 concluded with the Lord’s vow never again to “destroy every living creature” (8:21), here we find a promise that “never again shall all flesh be cut off by the water of a flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth” (9:11). It’s as if God is keeping some options open (fire, earthquakes, and climate change come to mind).
Yet along with God’s own self-imposed no-flood policy, this chapter introduces some limits back into the human condition as well. The shedding of human life, for instance, warrants consequences, since that life is created in God’s image (see 1:27; 5:1). No exceptions. The odd story at the end of the chapter, too, introduces the duties of children to their parents, as Ham fails to care for his drunk, naked father in a way that diminishes Noah’s shame. It turns out, then, that covenant relationships depend on restraint, on “doing the right thing,” even when we don’t feel like it.
But one of my favorite details in this chapter is the rainbow. Did you notice its purpose in the story? God uses the rainbow to keep God faithful to God’s side of the covenant. God says, “When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth” (9:16). Sounds like someone in middle age who’s distracted and forgetful—perhaps easily lured by emotion or the impulse of the moment. Sounds like someone I know all too well. What’s so comforting to me is this: if God needs a visible reminder of covenant promises, I guess it’s okay if I do too!
- What are the most important limits in your life? In your family’s life? How do those limits help you honor the image of God in yourself and those around you?
- What’s your “rainbow”? What visible signs do you use to help you remember the promises you’ve made?
- What other details did you notice in today’s reading?
Prayer: Thanks for starting over with Noah, O God. Thanks for starting over with us. Help us to find rainbows that remind us of both your promises and ours. Amen.
Breath Prayer: Remember // the covenant.
