Jonah

Reluctant Prophet

The Book of Jonah is a book of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. It is a story about the prophet Jonah and his experiences as a prophet to the people of Nineveh. The Book of Jonah tells the story of how Jonah was called by God to go to Nineveh, a city in the Assyrian Empire, and warn the people there of the coming judgment of God. Jonah, however, did not want to go to Nineveh, and he tried to run away from God's call. God eventually caught up with Jonah, and Jonah reluctantly went to Nineveh and delivered God's message. To Jonah's surprise, the people of Nineveh repented of their sins and were spared from God's judgment. Key figures in the book of Jonah include Jonah and the people of Nineveh. The book also mentions God and his actions, as well as expressions of trust and reliance on him. The book does not mention any other specific individuals.
Jonah - Reluctant Prophet
Jonah - Reluctant Prophet
780-750 BCE5 min4 chapters

Jonah

Reluctant Prophet

The book of Jonah is a short book of the Bible that tells the story of a prophet of God named Jonah. Jonah is called by God to go to the city of Nineveh and preach against its wickedness. Jonah, however, does not want to go and instead tries to flee from God by boarding a ship. During the voyage, a great storm arises and Jonah is thrown overboard. He is then swallowed by a large fish, where he spends three days and three nights. After being released from the fish, Jonah finally obeys God and goes to Nineveh. When Jonah arrives in Nineveh, he preaches against its wickedness and the people of Nineveh repent and turn to God. God then forgives them and spares the city from destruction. Jonah, however, is angry that God has forgiven the people of Nineveh and he prays to God for his own death. God then sends a plant to give Jonah shade, but then takes it away, leaving Jonah to suffer in the heat. Jonah then realizes that God is merciful and forgiving and repents of his anger. The book of Jonah is a story of God's mercy and forgiveness. It shows us that God is willing to forgive even the most wicked of people if they turn to Him in repentance. It also teaches us that we should not be angry when God shows mercy to others, but instead be thankful for His grace and mercy. Finally, it reminds us that God is always in control and that He will always have the final say.

Biblical figures

Key figures that appear in Jonah.

Chapters

Explore all the chapters of Jonah.

17 verses2 min

Called to Preach to Nineveh

Jonah 1

God calls Jonah to preach against the city of Nineveh, a wicked and corrupt city, but Jonah rebels and tries to flee.

10 verses1 min

Jonah's Prayer in the Fish

Jonah 2

Jonah is thrown into the sea and swallowed by a large fish, where he prays and repents of his disobedience.

10 verses1 min

Jonah Preaches to Nineveh

Jonah 3

Jonah finally obeys and preaches to Nineveh, and the people repent and turn back to God, much to Jonah's surprise and disappointment.

11 verses1 min

Jonah's Anger and God's Mercy

Jonah 4

Jonah becomes angry and frustrated that God has spared Nineveh, and God teaches Jonah a lesson about His mercy and compassion.