The Rainbow in Genesis 9:12-17: A Triple Entendre?

Three different explanations have been suggested for the “bow” that God gave as a sign of his postdeluvian covenant. While most people have understood this to be the rainbow, other biblical usage of the word “bow” might suggest a metaphor of God hanging up his weapon after war with creation. Alternatively, the shape of the bow could be suggestive of the firmament. Arguments may be made for each of these interpretations, but is it really necessary to choose one to the exclusion of the others? Since apparent double entendres can be easily found in the Scriptures, perhaps we should see here a triple entendre—all three meanings are to be considered by the reader.