The Book of Jonah
The book is named after its principal character, whose name means "dove." The events in the book took place probably during the eighth century, when the Assyrians were a feared and despised enemy.
The theme that runs throughout the four chapters of the book is God's great mercy to Gentile nations through repentance. The book also depicts the larger scope of God's purpose for Israel: that she might rediscover the truth of His concern for the whole creation and tha she might better understand her own role in carrying out that concern.
In chapter 1, God directs Jonah to go to Nineveh however Jonah disobeys, boards a ship and heads for Tarshish. The sailors of the ship become concerned because of the great storm that brews and Jonah explains that God is bringing judgment upon him. The sailors throw him into the sea where he is swallowed by an enormous fish. “And the LORD appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the stomach of the fish three days and three nights” (1:17).
The theme that runs throughout the four chapters of the book is God's great mercy to Gentile nations through repentance. The book also depicts the larger scope of God's purpose for Israel: that she might rediscover the truth of His concern for the whole creation and tha she might better understand her own role in carrying out that concern.
In chapter 1, God directs Jonah to go to Nineveh however Jonah disobeys, boards a ship and heads for Tarshish. The sailors of the ship become concerned because of the great storm that brews and Jonah explains that God is bringing judgment upon him. The sailors throw him into the sea where he is swallowed by an enormous fish. “And the LORD appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the stomach of the fish three days and three nights” (1:17).
Chapter 2-3, After God has the fish cough him up, three days later; Jonah obeys God and goes to Nineveh to fulfill his mission. Jonah preached a message of repentance and to his surprise, the sinful city repented. “Then the people of Nineveh believed in God; and they called a fast and put on sackcloth from
the greatest to the least of them” (3:5).
In chapter 4, God deals with Jonah and teaches him about His love and
compassion. “’knew that You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, and one who relents concerning calamity” (4:2). Nineveh’s repentance must have been short-lived; it was destroyed in 612 B.C.
the greatest to the least of them” (3:5).
In chapter 4, God deals with Jonah and teaches him about His love and
compassion. “’knew that You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, and one who relents concerning calamity” (4:2). Nineveh’s repentance must have been short-lived; it was destroyed in 612 B.C.
Foreshadowing of Jesus
That Jonah is a type of Christ is clear from Jesus’ own words. In Matthew 12:40-41, Jesus declares that He will be in the grave the same amount of time Jonah was in the whale’s belly. He goes on to say that while the Ninevites repented in the face of Jonah’s preaching, the Pharisees and teachers of the Law who rejected Jesus were rejecting One who is far greater than Jonah. Just as Jonah brought the truth of God regarding repentance and salvation to the Ninevites, so too does Jesus bring the same message (Jonah 2:9; John 14:6) of salvation of and through God alone (Romans 11:36).
continue to Micah...
continue to Micah...
