What makes Jonah special?

All the other prophetic books primarily contain speeches of the prophets they are named after. Jonah has only one verse of prophecy (3.4). A few prophetic books also contain historical information about the prophets. But Jonah reads more like a story from beginning to end.

Why was Jonah written?

Many scholars think that the message of Jonah reflects the situation for Israel during or after the time of the exile in Babylon, which lasted from 597 to 539 B.C. The exile was viewed as a time of punishment, because the people had turned away from the Lord. In the time after the exile, Israel struggled with how they could keep their identity as God’s chosen people. Some suggested that the best way to do this was to separate themselves from people of other nations. This led to a self-centered and unforgiving attitude toward those who were not Jewish. Many forgot that God had chosen the people of Israel to be a blessing to everyone on earth (Gen 12.3) and a light to other nations (Isa 49.6). Jonah was written to challenge this attitude by showing the people how foolish it is to try to keep God to yourself, because God is the God of all, and God can show mercy to everyone, even enemies.

What’s the story behind the scene?

Assyria was an aggressive and destructive power in the ancient Near East. When it conquered nations, families were often split apart and sent to different regions of the empire. As a result, Assyria was hated by many of the peoples of the ancient world. This was especially true for the people of Israel who had been defeated by the Assyrians in 722 B.C. The ten tribes of Israel that were taken from their homes by Assyria were completely destroyed, never to be heard from again. By sending Jonah to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, God’s overwhelming love and mercy are revealed. Jonah’s anger at God for forgiving Israel’s hated enemy is probably meant to reflect a similar attitude in Israel. Israel was jealous of its special relationship with God and was unwilling to allow this relationship be extended to other nations, especially nations that were clearly enemies of God and God’s people.

How is Jonah constructed?

Jonah tries to run away from the Lord (1.1-16)

The Lord saves Jonah (1.17—2.10)

Jonah in Nineveh (3.1—4.11)

Jonah Tries To Run Away from the Lord

The Lord tells Jonah to go to Nineveh, the capital city of Israel’s great enemy Assyria, to tell its people they are doomed. But Jonah tries to run away from the Lord. Of all the places God could have sent Jonah, Nineveh may have been the hardest place for Jonah to go. To Jonah, the danger isn’t simply that Nineveh is an evil, wicked city. Jonah has an even bigger fear, which will become clear later in the story.

The Lord Saves Jonah

Two verses tell how God rescues Jonah from the depths of the sea (1.17 and 2.10). The verses in between (2.1-10) are Jonah’s prayer of thanksgiving. In this prayer Jonah speaks as though his rescue has already taken place.

Jonah in Nineveh

Again, God tells Jonah to go to Nineveh and preach. This time Jonah goes, but he still does not like his task. We hear no beautiful language or long, pleading passages when Jonah speaks to the people. Jonah wastes as few words as possible on these people (see 3.4). When the message is effective and the people stop doing evil things, Jonah becomes angry and pouts. The story ends with a question (4.11), meant not only for Jonah but for all who read the book.

Questions about Jonah

1. Why did Jonah find going to Nineveh such a hateful task? Have you ever felt that way about something you had to do? Did you do it? Why or why not? What happened?

2. Compare the attitudes and actions of the non-Israelites (the sailors, ship captain, and people of Nineveh) to the actions of Jonah. How do they differ? How does the contrast between these characters support the overall theme of the book?

3. What aspects of Jonah’s personality are revealed in the story? Which ones do you admire? Which ones are troubling? Which remind you of yourself?

4. What aspects of God are revealed in the story? Which ones give you comfort or strength? Which ones trouble you?

5. What can the story of Jonah teach us about trying to understand God’s will for the world?