Mercy, What a Fish!

O. T. #2154  "Mercy, What a Fish!"

March 22, 2022

Introduction to Jonah

What do you know about the prophet Jonah? Probably most folks are familiar with his being swallowed up by a whale. But do you know why? Was this story only a parable or allegory or did it actually happen? Walk with us through our study on Jonah and we will answer those questions.

Author and Date

Throughout this book, Jonah is referred to in the third person. Perhaps he recounted to the writer the events mentioned, or someone wrote directly as God instructed.

In the Hebrew language, Jonah means dove, pigeon.

This book does not record prophecies of Jonah, but centers on his life. Jonah lived in Gath-hepher, in the land of Zebulun. (2 Kings 14:25) He predicted that the King Jeroboam II of the northern kingdom of Israel, would restore Israel's northern border.

God told Jonah to go to Nineveh to preach repentance of sin in the city, given 40 days to do so. Jonah knew what those people were like, so he did not want to go. He hated them, plain and simple. Perhaps he feared his own life. We will see what happens to Jonah because of the prophet's rebellion.

Background

Now the city of Nineveh, where God sent Jonah to preach, was a major city of the Assyrian Empire; it was located in northeastern Mesopotamia on the east bank of the Tigris River. It is modern Mosul, Iraq, about 220 miles north of modern Baghdad. The Assyrians were cruel in battle and horrific in treatment of those conquered. Eventually, Israel fell to Assyria in 722 BC. Their king's palace was located in Nineveh. (2 Kings 19:36) Nahum, prophesied the destruction of Nineveh (Nah. 3:7), which was overthrown by the Medes and Chaldeans in 612 BC. 

Spiritual Theme

The message God had for the Ninevehites and us is that God loves all people, Jews and Gentiles. Since Israel sinned by worshiping idols, they were under judgment, like those cruel people. Israel was commissioned by God to be His witness  in the heathen world. This story pictures Israel's rebellion. Grace and mercy is available to those who repent. Our God is slow to anger, rich in faithful love, and compassionate.

Jesus taught the story of Jonah as an actual account, not a parable. We can read about it in Matthew 12, 16; Luke 11.

[Resources: The Tony Evans Bible Commentary, The MacArthur    Bible Commentary 

Are we determined to obey God, wherever He leads?

Will we do whatever He asks of us?

Will we obey or rebel?