The Spiritual Meaning of a Double Rainbow [Biblical View]

The girls and I were driving home from school on a drizzly afternoon a few weeks ago. As we rounded the corner into the area of town we live in, we were all blessed with the sight of a full arc double rainbow.

We see rainbows fairly regularly around where we live, and have even seen a couple of double rainbows over the years, but the secondary rainbow was always quite faint and not full, and even the primary rainbow was often cut of by the ending showers. But never before had we seen a FULL ARC Double Rainbow! It was really a sight to behold!

And even thought I have a basic understanding of how a rainbow is made, it made me wonder about what extra meteorological effects were in play to double the effect.

Well, just like it's sibling the single rainbow, the double rainbow also occurs with the refraction of light through water droplets, often before or after a rain shower. Is a rare, but beautiful natural phenomenon that is not seen by lot of people.

If you see one, you will notice that one rainbow is brighter (often much brighter) than the other and this is because the sun is passing through the first mist before passing through the second. This makes the sunlight weaker in the second arc AND... the colours of the rainbow will invert and appear in the opposite order! WOW - God's creation never ceases to amaze me!

The appearance of a double rainbow is truly a magnificent sight to behold, a breathtaking display of nature's grandeur that fills our hearts with wonder and awe. However, beyond its beauty, many have pondered whether the appearance of a double rainbow holds deeper spiritual significance.

In the book of Genesis, chapter 9, we are told of the covenant God made with Noah, and with every living creature, after the Great Flood. The Lord set the rainbow in the sky as a sign of the covenant, a symbol of His promise that never again would the waters cover the entire earth. And God declared that this sign of the rainbow in the sky would be a reminder of God's promise.

When a rainbow graces the sky, it serves as a sign of hope for believers, assuring us that God's promise is certain and can be relied upon. If a single rainbow carries such weight and meaning, how much more significant then, is the appearance of a double rainbow?

The second, fainter arc could be seen as a reinforcement of the covenant, a visual affirmation that the Lord's Word is unbreakable and His commitment to us is eternal. Truly, the appearance of a double rainbow is a breathtaking reminder of the unwavering nature of God's promise, inspiring us to place our faith and trust in the one who spoke the universe into existence.

Indeed there are many stories about people seeing double rainbows during times of grief and loss, or great heartache. There was even a double rainbow over Buckingham Palace as the world learned of the Queens Promotion to Glory:

There are various cultures around the world that have the rainbow in their mythology and their legends.

There are also generic beliefs that the appearance of a rainbow is a sign of good luck, or an omen for better days.

While the bible does not explicitly reference double rainbows, the biblical account of the covenant with Noah speaks only of a single rainbow in the sky. However, many scholars and theologians have found deeper meaning in the rare occurrence of a double rainbow. They interpret this phenomenon as a powerful symbol rich with spiritual significance.

Therefore, the meaning of a double rainbow, could hold deep spiritual meaning to those who seek Him. The very fact that God speaks to humanity through His grand and wonderful creations tells us that the Glory of God is all around us, if we but seek it. To those who are in need of some encouragement or comfort from God, a double rainbow can speak to their spirit. It can mean new beginnings, or be a symbol of hope. It can guide people of their spiritual journey and show people God’s glory.

It can also symbolize the hope and assurance found in God's promises, even when we find ourselves navigating the darkest valleys of life's journey. Just as the brilliant arc stretches across the sky, so too do the Lord's promises extend over our lives, shining light into the shadows and offering comfort to the weary soul. When uncertainties threaten to overwhelm us, the sight of a double rainbow can strengthen our resolve and reignite our trust in the One whose Word never fails.

A double rainbow can encourage believers to trust in God's covenant. This awe-inspiring phenomenon serves as a vivid representation of the Lord's enduring commitment, reminding us to find solace and comfort in His presence. As we gaze upon the double arc, we can take heart, knowing that our lives are securely held in the hands of the Almighty, whose covenant is eternal and whose love for us is without measure.

Moreover, a double rainbow can inspire individuals to renew their commitment to living according to God's principles. The sheer majesty of this sight should compel us to reflect on the fulfilment of His promises. Let us be challenged by the double rainbow to extend love, compassion, and kindness to others, shining as beacons of light in a world that so desperately needs to experience the transformative power of God's unconditional love.