And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald. – Revelation 4:3, NKJV
What’s so significant about a rainbow around God’s throne? The answer is found back in the book of Genesis.
In Genesis 6 we see that man had become exceedingly wicked. God told Noah to build an ark to save his family and the animals. In Genesis 7 we see Noah’s family and animals enter the ark before water covers the whole world wiping out everyone and everything not in the ark. In Genesis 8 the the flood waters recede so Noah, his family, and the animals can exit the ark.
We finally see the rainbow mentioned in Genesis 9. God makes a covenant that there will never be a flood to wipe out all flesh again (v8-17). A rainbow was and is a reminder of that covenant pointing to God’s mercy. So why is it significant there is a rainbow around God’s throne? It’s a constant reminder of God’s mercy.