RAV KOOK ON Noah Part 1: The Rainbow in the Clouds

After the Flood, God informed Noah: “I will make My covenant with you, and all flesh will never again be cut off by the waters of a flood.” “This is the sign of the covenant that I am placing between Me, you, and every living creature that is with you, for all generations: I have set My rainbow in the clouds... The rainbow will be in the clouds, and I will see it to recall the eternal covenant.” (Gen. 9:11-16) In what way does the rainbow symbolize God’s covenant, never again to destroy the world by a flood? Why does the Torah emphasize that this rainbow is ‘in the clouds’? And most importantly, what is the significance of this Divine promise never again to flood the world? Does this imply that the Flood was unjust? Or did God change His expectations for the world?