Olney Hymns · Chapter
The Rainbow explained
This poem by Newton uses the rainbow as a metaphor for God's sustaining power and covenant love, which shine most brightly in times of affliction.
What happens
This poem by Newton uses the rainbow as a metaphor for God's sustaining power and covenant love, which shine most brightly in times of affliction. Just as a rainbow appears when the sun shines through a storm, God's promises bring joy and strength to believers amid trials. The poem references John's vision of a rainbow around the throne, affirming the unchanging nature of God's covenant.
Themes in this chapter
Divine Providence and Guidance
God's supporting power is shown to be brightest in affliction, painting a rainbow on the storm.
Hope of Heaven and Eternal Life
The rainbow as a pledge of unchanging covenant love, pointing to the heavenly throne and eternal promises.
Characters to notice
- God
Referred to as 'the Lord' whose supporting power is brightest in affliction and who paints a rainbow on the storm.
- The Saints
Believers who experience God's sustaining power and whose graces shine doubly in times of trouble.
- John
Favored John who saw a rainbow circling the throne above, providing a pledge of unchanging covenant love.
Key passages
“When the sun with cheerful beams Smiles upon a low ring sky, Soon its aspect soften’d seems, And a rainbow meets the eye”
When the sun shines through a dark and cloudy sky, its appearance changes and a rainbow appears.
Describes the natural phenomenon of a rainbow forming when sunlight breaks through clouds.
“Thus the Lord’s supporting pow’r Brightest to his saints appears, When affliction’s threat’ning hour Fills their sky with clouds and fears”
In the same way, God's sustaining power is most evident to his people when they face threatening times of trouble and fear.
Compares the rainbow's appearance to God's help during trials.
“All their graces doubly shine When their troubles press them sore; And the promises divine Give them joys unknown before”
Their virtues become more radiant when they are under pressure, and God's promises bring them new and greater joys.
Affliction enhances the believer's spiritual qualities and deepens their experience of divine promises.
“Favour’d John a rainbow saw, Circling round a throne above; Hence the saints a pledge may draw Of unchanging cov’nant love”
The apostle John was privileged to see a rainbow surrounding the throne in heaven, which assures believers of God's everlasting covenant love.
References John's vision in Revelation, linking the rainbow to God's faithful covenant.