Jonah is a unique prophetic book focusing not on a message delivered but on the prophet himself. God calls Jonah to preach to Nineveh, but Jonah flees in the opposite direction. Through a storm, a great fish, and the repentance of a wicked nation, God reveals His compassion for all people and confronts Jonah’s hardened heart. The book highlights God’s mercy, the power of repentance, and the struggle of a reluctant prophet.
Background
Author: Traditionally Jonah
Audience: Israel, with a message about God’s compassion toward the nations
Date: 760–750 BC
Location Written: Israel and possibly Nineveh
Context: Jonah ministered during the reign of Jeroboam II, a prosperous time for Israel but spiritually complacent. Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, was known for brutality and oppression. God sends Jonah to call this foreign nation to repentance. Jonah’s resistance exposes Israel’s nationalistic pride and their reluctance to see God show mercy to their enemies. The book contrasts human prejudice with divine compassion.
Characters
- Jonah — reluctant prophet fleeing God’s call and struggling with compassion
- God — sovereign, merciful, and patient with both Nineveh and Jonah
- Sailors — pagan crew who come to fear the true God
- People of Nineveh — wicked nation responding to God in repentance
- The King of Nineveh — leader who humbles himself and calls for national repentance
Major Events
- God calls Jonah to preach to Nineveh and he flees toward Tarshish (Chapter 1)
- A great storm threatens the ship, leading Jonah to be thrown overboard (Chapter 1)
- Jonah is swallowed by a great fish and prays from inside it (Chapter 2)
- Jonah obeys God and preaches to Nineveh (Chapter 3)
- Nineveh repents and God spares the city (Chapter 3)
- Jonah becomes angry at God’s mercy and God teaches him through a plant (Chapter 4)
Application & Life Lessons
- God’s mercy extends to all people, even enemies
- Running from God leads to discipline, not escape
- Repentance can avert judgment and bring transformation
- God is patient with our weaknesses and objections
- Prejudice and bitterness hinder participation in God’s mission
- Obedience brings blessing, even when difficult
- God cares about both the lost and the attitudes of His servants
Bible Study Videos
Video by the Bible Project providing an overview of Jonah
Sermons & Teachings
Sermon by Skip Heitzig offering a brief overview of Jonah
Podcasts
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Articles
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Bible Reading Plans
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Books
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Disclosures & Notices
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