The Book of Jonah
God's compassion reaches even Israel's enemies.
- Author
- Unknown; traditionally attributed to Jonah
- Date
- Set c. 780–750 BC
- Chapters
- 4
- Genre
- Minor Prophets
Summary
God calls Jonah to preach against Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, but Jonah runs the other way. In a storm he is thrown overboard and swallowed by a great fish, where he prays and is brought safely to land.
Given a second chance, Jonah preaches, and the whole city repents. Instead of rejoicing, Jonah is angry that God has shown mercy. The book ends with God's question about his concern for the people of Nineveh, inviting readers to share God's compassion.
Outline
- Chapter 1 — Jonah runs from God
- Chapter 2 — Jonah's prayer from the fish
- Chapter 3 — Nineveh repents
- Chapter 4 — God's compassion and Jonah's anger
Key Themes
Key Verses
But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the Lord .’”
Start reading JonahAnd should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?”