I grew up in a town of about two thousand people and now live in a town of about ten thousand. The nearest city—about 50 miles away— has around 56 thousand people. Chicago has a whopping 2.66 million residents! In the ancient Near East during this time, most “cities” were more like the town I grew up in, and just a few reached that ten- thousand mark. Babylon at its height had a population of only around 200 thousand, considered the largest city in the world. Nineveh, with its population of 120 thousand, was significant by ancient standards.

Besides having a large population, Nineveh was extremely wicked. The city’s wickedness had “come up before” the Lord (Jonah 1:2). This description of Nineveh’s wickedness will remind many readers of Sodom: “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin is so grievous” (Gen. 18:20). In the story of Sodom, described in Genesis 18, Abraham eagerly interceded on behalf of the righteous. He was trying to convince God to spare the entire city if only ten righteous people could be found. Since those ten weren’t found, the Lord destroyed the city (Gen. 19:24– 28). The prophet Jonah is put in a similar position. The original readers would have picked up on that comparison right away because of their familiarity with the Pentateuch. Therefore, we are primed in Jonah 1:1–2 to think that Jonah will be a compassionate prophet like Abraham and will intercede for “the great city of Nineveh” (1:2).

Instead, we quickly find out that Jonah held a much different response. Rather than intercede for evil people, Jonah would attempt to withhold God’s word from them.

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Recently my wife and I taught about Jonah in the kids’ Sunday school at my church. The story is a favorite for Sunday schools, vacation Bible schools, and even murals in church nurseries. But there’s so much more to it than just a guy who was swallowed by a whale. Who was Jonah?

Jonah 1:1 describes the main character of this account: “Jonah son of Amittai” (v. 1). Jonah was a prophet from Israel during the reign of a king named Jeroboam II who ruled over Israel for 41 years in the 700s BC. Second Kings 14:23–25 tells us that this king, Jeroboam II, was evil and idolatrous. However, this period was also one of relative stability and economic prosperity, and Jeroboam even restored Israel’s borders, “in accordance with the word of the LORD, the God of Israel, spoken through his servant Jonah son of Amittai, the prophet from Gath Hepher” (2 Kings 14:25). That is the same Jonah in the book of Jonah.

Jonah begins by saying the “word of the LORD came to Jonah” (Jonah 1:1). Perhaps Jonah was expecting a different message when God’s word came to him, something more like telling Jeroboam II to expand Israel’s territory (2 Kings 14:25). Yet the “word of the LORD” was different this time— radically different! Given Jonah’s role in helping Israel reclaim lost territory, maybe it’s not so surprising that Jonah didn’t want to preach a message of repentance to Israel’s nemesis Assyria. Yet preaching repentance to Nineveh is exactly what God called Jonah to do. The question that Jonah had to face—and the question we also have to face—is whether we will obey God even when we don’t like what He says.

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The ox is a large domesticated creature primarily used for agricultural duties such as plowing, treading grain, and turning millstones. Oxen are strong (Job 39:9-12) and trainable (Isa. 1:3). They were also used as sacrificial animals (Num. 7:3) and were acceptable to eat as food (Deut. 14:14).

In 1 Timothy 5, the Apostle Paul is giving guidance to Timothy on how to treat elders in the church, particularly those who lead well and labor in preaching and teaching. Paul writes, “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For Scripture says, ‘Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,’ and ‘The worker deserves his wages’” (vv. 17–18).

Paul draws from an Old Testament principle found in Deuteronomy 25:4, which instructs, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” This command ensured that oxen, as they worked to separate the grain from the chaff, were allowed to eat freely and benefit from their labor. If we view oxen like modern day tractors, in case you borrowed your neighbor’s farm equipment, you would make sure it had enough gas and oil to function properly and not abuse the machinery. Here, Paul stressed the importance of providing for those who labor in ministry. Just as the ox deserves to benefit from its work, spiritual leaders deserve to be supported and honored for their dedication and service.

This passage highlights the value and dignity of spiritual work. Preaching, teaching, and shepherding the flock are essential roles that require dedication, wisdom, and spiritual insight. Those who serve in these roles faithfully should be recognized and supported. This support not only meets their material needs but also honors their commitment to God’s work.

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Wolves are known predators, and their favorite prey is sheep. Jesus captured this sense of danger in the Sermon on the Mount when He warned of false prophets “who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves” (Matt. 7:14).

In Isaiah 11:1–6, the prophet turns this image completely around and paints a vivid picture of a future where God’s reign will bring about unprecedented peace and harmony. This passage begins with the promise of a shoot coming up from the stump of Jesse—the arrival of a new leader from the lineage of David who would later turn out to be Jesus (v. 1). Endowed with the Spirit of the Lord, He embodies wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord (vv. 2–3).

Verse 6 captures a striking vision of what type of kingdom this future leader will bring: “The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them.” The natural order, marred by sin and conflict, will be restored to its original harmony. Predators and prey will coexist peacefully. This prophetic vision finds its ultimate fulfillment in the millennial kingdom of God, as portrayed in Revelation 20. During this thousand-year reign, Christ will establish His kingdom on earth, marked by the presence of divine harmony, peace, and righteousness foretold by Isaiah. Revelation 20 describes a time when Satan is bound, and Christ rules with justice and peace.

Under Christ’s reign, there will be no need for fear or enmity. The peaceful coexistence of the wolf and the lamb reflects the nature of Christ’s kingdom—where love, justice, and righteousness will prevail.

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As a frequent tour leader to Israel, one of my favorite spots to visit is the desert oasis of En Gedi near the Dead Sea. This is the location where David hid out from King Saul (1 Samuel 24). On most occasions, guests to the site can spot an unusual small brown furry creature (about the size of a ground hog or large rabbit) hanging out on the tops of trees or scrambling along the cliffs (Ps. 104:18). It is called by several names: coney (conie), Syrian Hyrax, or rock badger and is mentioned four times in the Bible. It is also an animal listed as unclean (Lev. 11:5), so Israelites were not allowed to eat them.

In Proverbs 30:24–28, we find a list of four small creatures that exhibit extraordinary wisdom, and one of them is the coney. Despite their size, these creatures demonstrate remarkable survival strategies that offer profound lessons. Verse 26 describes why they are a valuable object lesson—“hyraxes [coneys] are creatures of little power, yet they make their home in the crags.”

The coney is a small, defenseless animal. It lacks the physical strength and speed to escape predators, yet it survives and thrives in the rugged terrain by making its home among the rocks. This simple yet effective strategy highlights a key principle: Wisdom often involves recognizing our limitations and seeking protection and security in a place of strength.

The coney’s wisdom lies in its understanding of its vulnerability and its strategic use of the natural fortresses provided by the rocks. The coney’s behavior parallels our need to acknowledge our weaknesses and seek refuge in God, our rock and fortress. Psalm 18:2 declares, “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge.”

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Sheep, lambs, and rams are the most frequently mentioned animals in the Bible. Lambs are mentioned about 100 times in the Bible, and they are simply young small sheep. As domesticated animals, sheep are helpless to survive on their own in the wild. They are dependent on shepherds for food, water, and security from predators. Lambs are associated with innocence (2 Sam. 12:3) and were one of the most frequently sacrificed animals.

In John 1:29–37, we encounter a key moment in Jesus’ ministry where John the Baptist identifies Him as the Lamb of God. Known for his powerful preaching and call to repentance, John sees Jesus coming and announces, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (v. 29). His declaration was profound, connecting Jesus to the sacrificial lambs of the Old Testament that were offered to atone for the sins of the people: “This is God’s Chosen One” (v. 34).

The image of the lamb is rich with significance. In the Old Testament, lambs were sacrificed as part of the Passover celebration, symbolizing deliverance and redemption (Ex. 12:21; Ezra 6:20; Mark 14:12). By calling Jesus the Lamb of God, John was identifying Him as the ultimate sacrifice, the One Who would take away the sins of the world once and for all. The fact that this happened at the start of Jesus’ public ministry heightens its significance.

John’s recognition of Jesus as the Lamb of God also signified a shift from the old covenant to the new. The sacrificial system, which required repeated offerings, was fulfilled and completed in Jesus Christ. His sacrifice was perfect and sufficient, offering eternal redemption and reconciliation with God.

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Today we associate horses with cowboys, racing, and trail rides, but the horse most often appeared in the Bible in the context of war. Horses were essential to pull war chariots. The horse became synonymous with military might and could be viewed much like tanks are today. Psalm 20:7 summarizes this notion well: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” In fact, Israelite kings were forbidden to accumulate horses (Deut. 17:16) because they were to trust God in battle.

In Exodus 15:19–21, we read the triumphant conclusion of the Israelites’ escape from Egypt. Pharaoh’s army, with its horses and chariots, pursued the Israelites into the Red Sea. However, as the Israelites crossed on dry ground, God caused the waters to return, engulfing the Egyptians. This miraculous deliverance led to a spontaneous outburst of worship and praise from the Israelites.

Miriam, the prophetess and sister of Aaron, took a tambourine and led the women in a song of celebration: “Sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted. Both horse and driver he has hurled into the sea” (v. 21). This song, known as the Song of the Sea, highlights God’s sovereignty and power over earthly forces.

The horse and rider represent the might of Egypt, the most powerful nation of its time. These war horses were symbols of strength, speed, and military power. For the Israelites, who had been slaves for generations, the sight of Pharaoh’s army would have been terrifying. Yet, God demonstrated that no earthly power could stand against His will and His people. God is our deliverer. No matter how formidable the obstacles or enemies we face, God is greater.

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During a weekend retreat, I carried a small stuffed lamb around with me everywhere I went—during meals, games, and teaching sessions. Many attendees asked me why I was carrying that stuffed animal. But it wasn’t until the closing session of the retreat, when I led a celebration of the Lord’s Supper, that I explained the significance of that stuffed toy: Jesus is our Passover Lamb.

In Exodus 12:1–14, we find the institution of the Passover. God instructed the Israelites to select a lamb for each household on the tenth day of the first month. The lamb was to be without blemish, a male, one year old. On the fourteenth day, the lamb was to be slaughtered. The reason why there were several days between when the lamb was selected and when it was sacrificed was to observe the lamb closely to make sure it had no defects. The lamb had to be perfect. Once the lamb was killed, its blood was placed on the doorposts and lintel of each house (v. 7). That night, the meat would be roasted and eaten with unleavened bread and bitter herbs (v. 8).

The blood on the doorposts served as a sign for God to “pass over” the homes of the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt (v. 13). This act of obedience and faith marked the Israelites’ deliverance from bondage and the beginning of their journey to the Promised Land. The Passover lamb, therefore, was a symbol of sacrifice, protection, and deliverance.

As believers today, we recognize that the lamb in Exodus 12 foreshadows Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. The apostle Paul clearly proclaims that Christ is “our Passover lamb” (1 Cor. 5:7). Just as the blood of the lamb saved the Israelites from death, the blood of Jesus, shed on the cross, saves us from eternal death and brings us into new life.

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On a recent trip to the Brookfield Zoo near Chicago, I was near the African lion exhibit when one of the male lions emitted a loud roar. One of the zookeepers informed me that a lion’s roar can be heard up to five miles away! The lion is mentioned over 130 times in the Old Testament, and while it is often used in imagery to depict royalty, the Bible does not shy away from the violent ferocious nature of this creature! For example, in the Old Testament, Daniel was protected from a den of lions who were used to execute a death sentence (Dan. 6:7).

In 1 Peter 5:1–9, the apostle offers counsel to believers, warning them about the devil who is “like a roaring lion” (v. 8). Peter urges the elders to shepherd God’s flock willingly and eagerly, not for personal gain but out of love for their calling. He then urges the younger members to submit to their elders and to each other, clothing themselves with humility.

Central to this passage is Peter’s exhortation to be alert and sober-minded because the devil, a “roaring lion,” is looking for someone to devour (v. 8). “Resist him, standing firm in the faith” (v. 9), Peter advises, reminding believers that they are not alone in their struggles.

Lions are predators, known for their strength and stealth, often attacking the weak or isolated. Similarly, the devil preys on our vulnerabilities, exploiting moments of weakness, doubt, and fear. Peter’s instruction is clear: be vigilant, resist, and stand firm in your faith. Peter also emphasizes humility and dependence on God. He encourages believers to cast their anxieties on God because He cares for them. Through humble trust and reliance on God we find strength to resist the enemy.

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Long before Disney produced the animated film, The Lion King, there was a Lion King prophesied in the Bible. In Revelation 5:1–5, we are transported to a dramatic scene in heaven. John the apostle witnessed a scroll in the right hand of God, sealed with seven seals. This scroll represents God’s plan for the redemption and restoration of creation. However, a search across heaven and earth reveals no one worthy to open the scroll or even look inside it. John began to weep bitterly, feeling the weight of hopelessness.

Then, one of the elders speaks to John, offering words of comfort and hope: “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals” (v. 5). At this moment, the focus shifts to Jesus, who is both the conquering Lion and the sacrificial Lamb.

The title “Lion of the tribe of Judah” evokes power, authority, and kingship. It points back to Jacob’s prophecy in Genesis 49:9–10, where Judah is described as a lion: “You are a lion’s cub, Judah… The Scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his.”

As the fulfillment of this prophecy, Jesus embodies the ultimate authority and strength. His victory over sin and death through His sacrificial death and resurrection qualifies Him to execute God’s divine plan. The book of Revelation describes a future period of great turmoil and confusion. And while things may be chaotic on earth, readers of the book of Revelation are to take comfort that the Lion of the tribe of Judah, Jesus, is ruling in heaven. Through faith in the Lion of Judah, we too can face the future with confidence and peace.

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