Thoughts

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As you probably know, this book is grouped in with what are commonly called the books of the Minor Prophets. Did you notice any of what we commonly think of as prophecy in today’s reading? Not much. Just one sentence, and it wasn’t until chapter three, verse four: “Yet forty days and Nineveh will be overthrown."

It’s kind of a wonder to me why Jonah wasn’t included in the books of History, really. But nonetheless, here it is.

We first heard of the man Jonah in 2 Kings 14:25, where we were told that he was from Gath-hepher in Galilee. He brought a message of mercy to Israel during the reign of king Jeroboam II (who practiced the worship of the golden calf). 

In the book bearing his name, we read of Jonah’s human weakness in the sin of running from God’s calling and then anger at Nineveh’s repentance, and of God’s mercy in forgiving Nineveh when they did repent, and in apparently even pardoning Jonah for his attitude toward them.

From the introductory notes at bible.com: Jonah’s role in the book is to represent the attitude of many in Israel toward other nations. Instead of accepting their own calling to help these nations come to know the true God, they considered them enemies and expected God to destroy them. The book teaches that God’s love extends beyond Israel to other nations, indeed, to the whole creation. God’s final question to Jonah is intended for all the book’s readers.

I'm so glad that God has offered redemption to all nations, aren't you?

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 1-4 NASB

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