Jonah 4:8-11 And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat on the head of Jonah… 1. The first element in Jonah's character was moral cowardice. In what lay his sin? Simply in his unwillingness to discharge a plain positive duty. Learn — (1) When you are called to discharge a painful duty, the quicker you set about it the better. (2) The discharge of duty is always less difficult than we anticipate. (3) Neglected duty, if you are a Christian, will always follow you till it is performed. 2. The next element was, imperfect views of the Divine character and government. (1) Jonah had discharged his duty in proclaiming the burden of the Lord concerning Nineveh. (2) Jonah, having discharged his duty, thought that God ought to take the same view of things as he did. (3) Notice the practical but gracious manner which God took to reveal His mind to Jonah. (4) Observe the ominous silence of the sacred Scriptures concerning the end of Jonah. God will justify His own mercy and love. (W. G. Barrett.) Parallel Verses KJV: And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, It is better for me to die than to live. |
    |