Jonah 1:1-3 Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying,… The commission may be viewed — I. IN ITS SOURCE. It is — 1. Supreme, as the Word of the Lord. 2. Peremptory; it is absolute, imperative, final. 3. Honourable. As associating the commissioned with the commissioner.Investing him with royal rights, privileges, honours. II. IN ITS RECIPIENT. Jonah. 1. In his filial relationship: the son. 2. In his official capacity: prophet. Learn — (1) That in the economy of moral purposes God makes use of creature agency. (2) That appointments in this economy are specific and sovereign. (3) That the rewards of faithfulness in Christian service will be promotion here, and coronation hereafter. III. IN ITS PURPORT. "Arise, go to Nineveh." It is — 1. A summons to activity. Shake off dull sloth. Rouse thee from careless ease. (1) The physical plays an important part in the execu tion of Divine purposes. (2) The will too must give its sanction, or all the activ ities will be held in restful subjection. Where there is no will-power a man is a mere tool in the hands of others. 2. A call to arduous duty. Note — (1) Its sphere. "Nineveh, that great city." In God's great busy world there is a definite sphere for everyone. (2) Its spirit. "Cry against it." Energy was to rise to its highest point. To cry requires energy of soul; a vivid realisation of sin, and moral courage. (J. O. Keen, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Now the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying,WEB: Now the word of Yahweh came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, |
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