“Blessed be the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome as we explore the Word of God—our light, our guide, and our hope on the journey to heaven.”
(Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” NKJV)
Have you ever wondered why national flags often consist of multiple colors, and how each color carries a specific meaning? For example, the flag of Tanzania has four colors: black represents its people, yellow symbolizes natural resources, green stands for agriculture and vegetation, and blue represents water bodies like oceans and lakes. In the same way, the colors are not just for decoration—they communicate the identity and values of a nation.
Likewise, God has His own “flag”, revealed not on a piece of cloth, but in the sky itself: the rainbow.
The Rainbow—God’s Divine Banner
After the great flood in Noah’s time, God placed the rainbow in the sky as a sign of His covenant not to destroy the earth by water again.
“I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth.”
(Genesis 9:13, NKJV)
This rainbow is more than a visual sign—it is a revelation of God’s character. While human flags are made of fabric, God’s flag is painted in the heavens with seven distinct colors, each representing something profound about His divine nature.
Two Foundational Attributes of God
Before we explore the symbolism of the rainbow, it’s important to understand two foundational attributes of God revealed in Scripture:
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God is Abounding in Anger
“God is jealous, and the Lord avenges;
The Lord avenges and is furious.
The Lord will take vengeance on His adversaries,
And He reserves wrath for His enemies.”
(Nahum 1:2, NKJV) -
God is Abounding in Mercy
“And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed,
‘The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth…’”
(Exodus 34:6, NKJV)
See also: Psalm 145:8, Joel 2:13, Jonah 4:2.
This duality—abundant wrath and abundant mercy—is uniquely present in the nature of God. While He can be provoked to anger, the Bible also says He is “slow to anger” (Psalm 103:8), showing that His mercy delays His judgment.
The Rainbow: A Journey from Wrath to Mercy
In everyday life, color often reflects emotional or physical states. For instance, red is commonly associated with heat, danger, or anger. Think of a person flushing red when angry. On the other hand, blue symbolizes calmness, peace, and coolness. A hot object glows red; a cold one appears bluish. These metaphors help us grasp the spiritual symbolism of the rainbow.
Let’s explore each of the seven colors of the rainbow as a progressive revelation of God’s movement from judgment to mercy, starting from red and ending in blue:
1. Red – Wrath, Judgment
Symbolizes God’s anger and holiness that cannot tolerate sin. It reminds us of divine justice and the seriousness of rebellion.
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness…” (Romans 1:18)
2. Orange – Diminishing Judgment
This color reflects the beginning of mercy. It suggests a tempering of judgment and the gradual transition away from divine anger.
3. Yellow – Hope and Glory
A bright and hopeful color, yellow represents the light of God shining through the storm, pointing to His glorious promises.
“The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light…” (Matthew 4:16)
4. Green – Life, Grace, and Renewal
This is the center of the rainbow and represents God’s grace—His power to bring new life and restore what was broken.
“He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul…” (Psalm 23:2–3)
5. Blue-Green (Cyan) – Calmness and Increasing Mercy
As we move further from red, God’s mercy deepens. This color reflects healing, calm, and spiritual refreshing.
6. Blue – Peace and Divine Mercy
Symbolizing the fullness of God’s compassion and serenity. It’s no coincidence that the sky itself is blue, as a permanent reminder of God’s mercy over the earth.
“But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious,
Longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth.” (Psalm 86:15)
7. Violet (Purple) – Majesty and Kingship
Though not always visible in every rainbow, purple signifies God’s royal authority, sovereignty, and holiness.
“The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.” (Psalm 103:19)
Theological Significance: Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment
After the flood, God’s rainbow was a symbol that His mercy had triumphed over His judgment.
“Mercy triumphs over judgment.” (James 2:13b)
The progression of rainbow colors—from red to violet—mirrors the transition from divine wrath to divine grace, from judgment to restoration, all ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
The Call to Respond: Accept His Mercy Today
Jesus Christ offers complete forgiveness and rest for your soul:
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28–30)
No matter how far you’ve gone, His mercy is greater still. If you repent today and turn to Him, His anger will be turned away, and His mercy will overflow in your life.
But beware: rejecting His mercy means falling back into His wrath.
“It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Hebrews 10:31)
Conclusion
The rainbow is not just a beautiful arc in the sky—it is God’s banner of love, justice, mercy, and promise. It tells the story of a holy God who judges sin but delights in mercy. May it remind us to seek His grace while it is still available.
Maranatha – The Lord is coming!