The book of Jonah contains one of the most well-known accounts of the Old Testament. Jonah, a prophet from Israel (2 Kings 14:25), was told by God to prophesy against Nineveh, the capital of Israel’s enemy, Assyria (Jonah 1:2).
Instead of obeying, Jonah tried to run from God’s presence (Jonah 1:3). God then stirred up a great storm that rocked the ship Jonah was in (Jonah 1:4).
After discovering that Jonah was the cause of a storm they could not row against, the mariners on the ship threw Jonah overboard (Jonah 1:15). Instead of letting Jonah drown, God prepared a fish that swallowed Jonah (Jonah 1:17).
Jonah spent three days and three nights in the fish’s belly, during which time he offered a prayer of thanksgiving to God (Jonah 2:1-9). Following this, the LORD caused the fish to vomit Jonah up onto dry land (Jonah 2:10).
Jonah was again told by God to prophesy against Nineveh (Jonah 3:2), and this time, Jonah did so (Jonah 3:3).
Upon hearing Jonah’s message, Nineveh was repentant (Jonah 3:4-9). In turn, God spared them (Jonah 3:10).
Jonah was angry that Nineveh was shown mercy, and used this to try to justify his selfish attitude (Jonah 4:1-3). God then used a plant to try to teach Jonah about mercy (Jonah 4:4-11).
The account of Jonah teaches a number of key principles about God and His dealings with mankind. For instance:
We Cannot Hide from God: Though Jonah attempted to flee from God’s presence (Jonah 1:3, 10), he learned that all such attempts are futile.
Hebrews 4:13 teaches “There is no creature that is hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of Him to whom we must give an account.”
God knew where Jonah was at all times. The same is true today. The Great Judge sees all that we think, say, and do. There is no hiding from Him.
We Must Not Run from Responsibility: The reason Jonah attempted to run from God’s presence is because God gave Jonah a task he did not want to do.
Jonah learned, as we must, that we cannot brush the work God has given us aside and expect that such will relieve us of our duties.
God’s Word commands a number of things that may push us out of our comfort zone, require us to let go of things we like, or upset family and friends.
Trying to avoid such things is futile. Those who do so will answer to our Ruler on the Day of Judgment (2 Cor. 5:10).
God is Merciful: Though God’s wrath against sin is severe, He does not want any of us to face His wrath. Rather, He wants us to accept His terms for salvation. This principle is exemplified in the book of Jonah. God really would have overthrown Nineveh in forty days had the city not repented (Jonah 3:4), but such was not His desire.
His mercy toward the Gentile city of Nineveh at a time the Law of Moses was in effect further shows His loving concern for all people, and His desire for each one of us to come to Him on His terms (1 Tim. 2:3-4; 2 Pet. 3:9).
Others’ Obedience is Cause for Rejoicing: Jonah exemplified a strange case of a preacher being upset when listeners heeded his message. Given Israel’s poor relationship with Assyria, it’s likely that such was due to his prejudice against Nineveh. Jonah was thankful when God showed mercy to him (Jonah 2:2-9), but he did not want such mercy shown toward those in Nineveh.
Instead of this attitude, we should be joyful when others turn to God and receive spiritual blessings (cf. Luke 15).
These are among the many truths taught in the book of Jonah. May we learn from such truths (Rom. 15:4).
– Michael Hickox