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Genesis 9:12 - Divine rainbow covenant promise?

Genesis 9:12 - בראשית 9:12

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר אֱלֹהִים זֹאת אוֹת־הַבְּרִית אֲשֶׁר־אֲנִי נֹתֵן בֵּינִי וּבֵינֵיכֶם וּבֵין כָּל־נֶפֶשׁ חַיָּה אֲשֶׁר אִתְּכֶם לְדֹרֹת עוֹלָם׃

English Translation

And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between Me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations:

Transliteration

Vayomer Elohim zot ot-habrit asher-ani noten beini uveineichem uvein kol-nefesh chayah asher itchem ledorot olam.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֱלֹהִ֗ים זֹ֤את אֽוֹת־הַבְּרִית֙ אֲשֶׁר־אֲנִ֣י נֹתֵ֗ן בֵּינִי֙ וּבֵ֣ינֵיכֶ֔ם וּבֵ֛ין כׇּל־נֶ֥פֶשׁ חַיָּ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר אִתְּכֶ֑ם לְדֹרֹ֖ת עוֹלָֽם׃
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֱלֹהִ֗ים זֹ֤את אֽוֹת־הַבְּרִית֙ אֲשֶׁר־אֲנִ֣י נֹתֵ֗ן בֵּינִי֙ וּבֵ֣ינֵיכֶ֔ם וּבֵ֛ין כׇּל־נֶ֥פֶשׁ חַיָּ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר אִתְּכֶ֑ם לְדֹרֹ֖ת עוֹלָֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Covenant with Noach and All Living Creatures

The verse (Bereishit 9:12) describes Hashem establishing a covenant (ברית) with Noach, his descendants, and all living creatures. Rashi explains that this "token of the covenant" refers specifically to the rainbow mentioned in the subsequent verses, which serves as a visible sign of Hashem's promise never again to destroy the world through a flood.

The Universal Nature of the Covenant

The Rambam (Hilchos Melachim 9:1) notes that this covenant includes seven universal laws (Sheva Mitzvos Bnei Noach) binding upon all humanity. The inclusion of "every living creature" demonstrates that Hashem's covenant extends beyond humankind to maintain the natural order of creation.

Perpetual Generations (לדרת עולם)

The Sforno emphasizes that this covenant is eternal, applying to all future generations. The Talmud (Chullin 139b) derives from this phrase that the covenant remains in effect even during times when Israel may be undeserving of divine protection.

The Rainbow as a Sign

  • Rashi explains the rainbow represents a "bow" turned away from the earth, symbolizing peace.
  • The Midrash (Bereishis Rabbah 35:3) describes the rainbow as being present from creation, but now given new significance as a covenant sign.
  • Ramban suggests the rainbow's multicolored nature reflects the diversity of creation that Hashem preserves.

Theological Significance

The Maharal (Gevuros Hashem 15) teaches that this covenant demonstrates Hashem's commitment to maintaining the world's existence despite human failings. The rainbow serves as a reminder that judgment is always tempered with mercy in the divine governance of creation.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the 'token of the covenant' mentioned in Genesis 9:12?
A: The 'token of the covenant' refers to the rainbow that Hashem placed in the sky as a sign of His promise never to destroy the world again with a flood. This is explained by Rashi, who notes that the rainbow serves as a reminder of this eternal covenant between Hashem and all living creatures.
Q: Why did Hashem establish this covenant with all living creatures?
A: Hashem established this covenant not only with humanity but with all living creatures to emphasize His mercy and commitment to all creation. The Rambam teaches that this shows Hashem's kindness extends to every living being, ensuring the stability of the natural world.
Q: What can we learn from the covenant in Genesis 9:12?
A: We learn that Hashem keeps His promises and shows compassion even after judgment. The Midrash explains that the rainbow symbolizes divine patience—when we see it, we should reflect on our actions and strive for righteousness to avoid needing divine correction.
Q: How does the covenant in Genesis 9:12 apply to us today?
A: The covenant reminds us of Hashem's enduring relationship with the world. The Talmud (Berachos 59a) teaches that seeing a rainbow is a moment to recite a blessing acknowledging Hashem's faithfulness to this promise, reinforcing our trust in His mercy and justice.
Q: Why is the covenant in Genesis 9:12 called 'perpetual' (לְדֹרֹת עוֹלָם)?
A: The term 'perpetual' (לְדֹרֹת עוֹלָם) means the covenant is everlasting and unbreakable. As the Sforno explains, this assures all future generations that the natural order will never again be disrupted by a global flood, reflecting Hashem's unchanging commitment to creation.