Book 32 The Book Of Jonah
Who wrote the Book of Jonah: Jonah
When was it written: Most likely between 825 and 800 B.C. during the time the Assyrians asserted themselves as a dominating world power, but before they had taken the Northern Kingdom of Israel.
Why was it written: It was written to give us an example of the extent of God’s mercy on those who repent—even those who are gentiles. Jonah, like most of us, needed to understand that God loves each and every person he creates and that he will not turn anyone away who wants to come to him.
Jonah’s Mission
Jonah was chosen by God to go to the city of Nineveh to preach a message of repentance. But Jonah didn’t want to go and from what we know from world history, his reasons were most likely a mix of fear and prejudices.
Instead of going, Jonah tried to run away and hide from God in the process.
Once in the water, a great fish swallowed Jonah. Jonah remained inside the fish for three days, during which time he asked God to forgive his disobedience and promised he would go wherever God wanted him to go and do whatever God wanted him to do.
The fish then spewed Jonah out onto the shore and Jonah did as he promised God he would do.
Nineveh
Before we continue with the message and teachings of Jonah, let’s take a little closer look at why Jonah was so opposed to going to Nineveh.
Nineveh was an Assyrian stronghold. It was also a HUGE city (even by today’s standards) and the people there were about as far from being godly as you could get.
The Assyrians and Israelites had been adversaries since the Exodus. They were known for their strength, ingenuity, and ruthless tactics. In Jonah’s mind, saving Nineveh was a waste of time.
Jonah’s Message
The message God wanted Jonah to take to the people of Nineveh was simply this: Repent or else. God gave the people of Nineveh forty days to repent. If they did not, he said he would destroy them and their city.
Jonah’s message was well-received. From the lowest citizen of Nineveh clear up to the king, Jonah tells us that the people repented. They repented (in the words of the king) in hopes that God would have mercy on them and allow them to live.
Their quick acceptance of Jonah’s message/warning indicates they were familiar with God’s hand against Israel’s adversaries— that it was quick, sure, and devastating. It also indicates a belief in God.
Granted, they weren’t convinced God was the one and only true God, but they recognized his existence and power.
The Rest Of The Story…
The final chapter of Jonah gives us even more insight into Jonah’s attitude and his relationship with God. We see that Jonah’s obedience was somewhat self-serving and that he was still dealing with some prejudices against the people of Nineveh. He was sorry they had repented. He would rather have seen them destroyed.
None Are Worthy All Are Loved
God was quick to remind Jonah that it wasn’t his place to decide who God should save and who he shouldn’t. But God’s sparing the people of Nineveh from the destruction he sent Jonah to warn them about was about a lot more than ‘just’ the people of Nineveh. Remember—Jonah was a prophet.
What the Book of Jonah teaches Christians
Recording The Events Of Jonah’s Life As A Prophet Is Meant To Remind Us That:
- None of us are worthy of God’s mercy but none are excluded from receiving it if they repent
- Obedience to God should always be our first priority
- Prejudices have no place in the hearts of God’s children
Sadly the people of Nineveh did not stand by their change of heart. Instead, they returned to their sinful lifestyle—a lifestyle God eventually punished them for.
Nineveh no longer exists today, but archeologists have found some remains of the once-opulent city in the present-day area of Mosul, Iraq.