Mercy After the Storm: Finding Grace in God’s Covenant
- Rabbi Andrew
- Oct 26
- 4 min read
When the skies darken and the storm rages, it can be hard to remember that mercy is on the horizon. Yet, from the very beginning of Scripture, God’s heart has always been to restore, not to destroy. This truth is powerfully revealed in the story of Noah—a story not just about survival, but about covenant, grace, and the faithfulness of God.
The Meaning Behind the Name
In Hebrew, the name נֹחַ (Noah) means “comfort”, but spelled backward, it forms חֵן “chen”, the word for “grace.” Even in his name, we see a message woven through the text: God’s comfort and grace are inseparable.
There were eight people in the ark—symbolizing new beginnings. The flood was not the end of humanity; it was the dawn of something renewed. And remarkably, Noah is mentioned eight times in the New Testament by four different authors—a divine echo of that same message of renewal.
God’s Unbreakable Covenant
After the flood, God declared:
“This is the sign of the covenant that I am making between Me and you, and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations.”— Genesis 9:12 (TLV)
Notice that God says, “I am making.” This was not a negotiated peace treaty—it was a unilateral promise from God Himself. A covenant initiated and upheld entirely by divine mercy.
And the promise wasn’t just for humanity. It was for “every living creature.” God’s compassion extends to all creation, a sweeping statement of His care and commitment to the world He made.
The Rainbow Bridge
“When the rainbow is in the cloud, I will look at it to remember the perpetual covenant…”— Genesis 9:16 (TLV)
The Hebrew word for rainbow is qeshet (קֶשֶׁת)—the same word used for a bow, as in a weapon of war. When God sets His qeshet in the sky, it is as though He has hung up His bow, declaring that the battle is over and peace has been established.
The arc of color stretching across the heavens becomes a divine symbol of reconciliation rather than wrath, a reminder that judgment will never again have the final word. It stands between heaven and earth, a bridge uniting the divine and the human, a sign that God’s mercy now covers creation like sunlight after rain.
Think of a musician practicing scales. The repetition may seem mundane, but over time, it builds the foundation for something beautiful. (The seven colours of a rainbow match the seven notes in music, seven being the number of God's perfection.) In the same way, every time we see a rainbow, it’s an invitation to rehearse God’s faithfulness. Let that moment remind you of a specific promise in Scripture—and trust that He will bring it to completion.
From the Waters of Noah to the Promise of Yeshua
Through the prophet Isaiah, God compares His steadfast love to the “waters of Noah”:
“Though the mountains depart and the hills be shaken, My love will not depart from you.”— Isaiah 54:10 (TLV)
The covenant of the rainbow points forward to a greater covenant, the one sealed in Yeshua the Messiah, who delivers us not from a flood of water, but from the flood of sin and death. In Him, mercy triumphs over judgment once and for all.
Mercy Rising in Modern Storms
Recently, testimonies from young Israeli hostages who endured unimaginable suffering have emerged, describing how they felt the presence of God even in captivity. Their stories are spreading across the world, kindling hope and faith amid heartbreak.
Just as God turned the flood into a new beginning for Noah, He continues to bring light out of darkness and revival out of pain.
A Challenge for the Week
As you begin this week, choose one promise from Scripture that speaks to your current situation. Write it down.
Then, whenever you see a rainbow—whether in the sky, a photograph, or a child’s drawing—let it be a reminder: God remembers mercy.
Closing Prayer
Avinu Malkeinu — Our Father and Our King,Thank You for the covenant of mercy You made with Noah. Thank You for the rainbow, the sign covenant mercy and love. In Yeshua, our Ark of salvation, we find refuge and renewal. When storms come, help us look up and remember Your faithfulness. Teach us to walk by faith, not by sight. Let every rainbow remind us: God remembers mercy. Ruach HaKodesh, fill us with strength to live as children of the covenant.Help us to trust, obey, and reflect Your light. Adonai, You are faithful. Yeshua saves. Your mercy endures forever. Hodu L’Adonai ki tov, ki l’olam chasdo — Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His mercy endures forever. B’Shem Yeshua HaMashiach — Amen.
Final Thought
Even after the fiercest storm, God paints the sky with a promise.May every rainbow remind you that mercy always follows the rain.
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